When you think of Old English, you may think of clunky names that won’t necessarily translate well into the modern era. While there are many choices that will sound more old-fashioned, there are actually quite a lot of Old English names for girls that will shine beautifully in the present time.
Many Old English names reflect things that we see in nature, like Wren (“small brown songbird”). If you’d rather allude to natural wonders other than animals there are plenty of names that do so, like Shelley (meaning “meadow’s edge.”)
As with other cultures, there are also names that attempt to imbue specific values on the child that we give the name to. A good example of this is Blythe, meaning “joyous, kind, and cheerful.” Material aspirations can also be used in a name like Edith, which means “blessed, riches.”
It’s also possible to combine the ideas of invoking nature as well as a specific value or trait. A great example of this is the name Merivale, which means “pleasant valley.”
No matter if you have lineage that goes back to Old English or if you’re simply a cultural connoisseur, there’s sure to be a name for your daughter that’s fitting for the modern era.
Afton
Meaning: River name
Origin: Old English
Agate
Meaning: Semiprecious stone
Origin: Old English
Alfreda
Meaning: Wise counselor
Origin: Old English
Amanda
Meaning: Worthy of love
Origin: Old English
Beda
Meaning: Warrior maiden
Origin: Old English
Bernia
Meaning: Maiden of battle
Origin: Old English
Birdie
Meaning: Little bird
Origin: Old English
Blythe
Meaning: Joyous, kind, and cheerful
Origin: Old English
Breanna
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Old English
Cam
Meaning: Sweet
Origin: Old English
Candace
Meaning: Brilliant white
Origin: Old English
Cedrica
Meaning: Battle chieftain
Origin: Old English
Cerelia
Meaning: Spring like
Origin: Old English
Chancey
Meaning: Chancellor
Origin: Old English
Daffodil
Meaning: The asphodel flower
Origin: Old English
Dahlia
Meaning: Flower name
Origin: Old English
Dooriya
Meaning: The sea
Origin: Old English
Eadda
Meaning: Wealthy, successful
Origin: Old English
Edith
Meaning: Blessed, riches
Origin: Old English
Edwerdina
Meaning: Prosperous guardian
Origin: Old English
Elmira
Meaning: Noble
Origin: Old English
Fairley
Meaning: Clearing in the woods
Origin: Old English
Felberta
Meaning: Brilliant
Origin: Old English
Fleta
Meaning: Swift
Origin: Old English
Gaines
Meaning: Increase in wealth
Origin: Old English
Gleda
Meaning: To make happy
Origin: Old English
Haralda
Meaning: The ruler of the army
Origin: Old English
Hertha
Meaning: Child of the earth
Origin: Old English
Iria
Meaning: Lady
Origin: Old English
Kaelyn
Meaning: Meadow
Origin: Old English
Kendra
Meaning: Royal power
Origin: Old English
Lana
Meaning: Calm as still waters
Origin: Old English
Levina
Meaning: Bright flash
Origin: Old English
Merivale
Meaning: Pleasant valley
Origin: Old English
Merry
Meaning: Joyful, happy
Origin: Old English
Nara
Meaning: The nearest
Origin: Old English
Norvella
Meaning: From the northern town
Origin: Old English
Odella
Meaning: Wood hill
Origin: Old English
Oriel
Meaning: Bay window
Origin: Old English
Pamela
Meaning: Sweetness or honey
Origin: Old English
Pepper
Meaning: From the pepper plant
Origin: Old English
Poppy
Meaning: Flower name
Origin: Old English
Queena
Meaning: Woman
Origin: Old English
Roberta
Meaning: Bright fame
Origin: Old English
Rowena
Meaning: The white-haired one
Origin: Old English
Shelley
Meaning: Meadow’s edge
Origin: Old English
Skyla
Meaning: Sky
Origin: Old English
Tiffany
Meaning: Manifestation of God
Origin: Old English
Wren
Meaning: Small brown songbird
Origin: Old English
Zanna
Meaning: A lily
Origin: Old English