Here is a little selection of Anglo Saxon names and the elements that make them. This page is constantly being updated as I discover more references - check back often!

A
Æ
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
 
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

 

A

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Abba (m)
a reeve of Kent (d. 835)
Abbo (m)
    
a Frankish monk, saint and Abbot of Ramsey Abbey (988-1004)
Acca (m)
    
a saint and bishop (d. 740)
Ada (f)
Eádda (m)
Eadu (f)
ead
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adj.) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
-u suffix makes feminine abstract nouns ('she who is rich/has riches'); -a makes masculine nouns ('rich man')
Adolph (m)
Æðelwulf (m)
athel
wulf
(adj.) noble
(noun) wolf
Ailith (f)
Æðelgúþ(f)
athel
gyth
 (adj.) noble
(noun) war, battle, fight
Alard (m)
Æðelheard (m)
athel
heard
(adj.) noble
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave
Alberic (m)
Ælfríc (m)
alf
ric
(noun) an elf
(noun) ruler
Albert (m)
Æðelbeorht (m)
athel
beorht
(adj.) noble
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Albreda (f)
Ælfræd (m)
ælf
ræd
 (noun) an elf
(noun) counsel, advice
Aldhelm (m)
Ealdhelm (m)
eald
helm
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) helmet
Aldous (m)
Ealda (m)
eald
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
-a suffix makes masculine nouns ('old/eminent man')
Aldred (m)
Ealdræd (m)
eald
ræd
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) counsel, advice
Aldwin (m)
Ealdwine (m)
eald
wine
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) friend
Alfred (m)
Ælfræd (m)
ælf
ræd
 (noun) an elf
(noun) counsel, advice
Alfrid (m)
Ealdfr(i/í)þ (m)
eald
frith/fríth
1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(i) frith = (noun) peace; (í) freeth = (adj.) stately, beautiful
Algar (m)
Ælfgár (m)
ælf
gar
 (noun) an elf
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms
Alwyn(m),
Ælfwine (m), Ælfwynn (f)
ælf
wine/wynn
 (noun) an elf
wine (m) = (noun) a friend; wynn (f) = (noun) delight, pleasure
Archibald (m)
Eorconbeald (m), Eorkonweald (m)
eorcon
beald/weald
(adj.) genuine, simple
beald - (adj.) bold, brave, confident, of good courage; weald - (adj.) powerful, mighty
Arnold (m)
Earnweald (m)
earn
weald
(noun) an eagle
(adj.) powerful, mighty
Athelstan (m)
Æðelstan (m)
athel
stan
 (adj.) noble
(noun) stone
Audrey (f)
Æðelþrýþ(f)
athel
thryth
 (adj.) noble
(noun) power, force, strength
Averil (f)
Eoforhild (f)
eofor
hild
 (noun) a wild-boar
(noun) war, battle
Aylmer (m)
Æðelmær (m)
athel
mar
 (adj.) noble
(adj.) great, splendid
Aylwin (m)
Ælfwine (m), Ælfwynn (f)
ælf
wine/wynn
 (noun) an elf
wine (m) = (noun) a friend; wynn (f) = (noun) delight, pleasure

 

Æ

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Elfleda (f)
Ælfflæd (f)
alf
flad
 (noun) an elf
(noun) (beauty?)
a famous abbess of Whitby (654-714?AD)
Algar (m)
Ælfgár (m)
alf
gar
 (noun) an elf
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms
Elgiva (f)
Ælfgifu (f)
alf
gifu
 (adj.)an elf
(noun) a gift, grace, favour
Alfred (m)
Ælfræd (m)
alf
rad
 (noun) an elf
(noun) counsel, advice
an ealdorman of Surrey (853-88); 'the Great' a king of Wessex (871-99); 'ætheling' (d.1036)
Alberic (m)
Ælfríc (m)
alf
ric
(noun) an elf
(noun) ruler
Elfreda, Elfrid (f)
Ælfþrýþ (f)
alf
thryth
 (noun) an elf
(noun) force, power, strength
2nd wife of King Edgar and mother of Ethelred the Unready. She was supposed to have killed her stepson Edward the Martyr
Aylwin, Alwyn (m)
Ælfwine (m), Ælfwynn (f)
alf
wine/wynn
 (noun) an elf
wine (m) = (noun) a friend; wynn (f) = (noun) delight, pleasure
Albert (m)
Æðelbeorht (m)
athel
beorht
(adj.) noble
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
a king of Kent (580/93-616/18), a saint (d. c. 664); another king of Kent (725-62), an archibishop of York (767-80); another saint and king of East Anglia (d. 794); a king of Wessex (860-5); a King of Kent (560-616AD) who was converted to Christianity by St.Augustine; a King of England (855-65AD) and brother of Alfred the Great
Ethelburg (f)
Æðelburg/h (f)
athel
burg/h
 (adj.) noble
burg = (noun) a city; burh = 1) (noun) a fortified place, fortress, castle, palace, walled town, dwelling surrounded by a wall or rampart of earth; 2) (noun) city, town, burg, borough
a saint (died 767) and sister of Erkenwald, Bishop of London; another saint, Abbess of Farmoutiers and sister of saints Ætheldreda, Seaxburga and Wiðburga
Ethelfleda (f)
Æðelflæd (f)
athel
flad
 (adj.) noble
(noun) (beauty?)
one of the most able daughters of Alfred, 'The Lady of the Mercians' (died 918AD)
Elgiva (f)
Æðelgifu (f)
athel
gifu
 (adj.)noble
(noun) a gift, grace, favour
Ailith (f)
Æðelgúþ (f)
athel
gyth
 (adj.) noble
(noun) war, battle, fight
Alard (m)
Æðelheard (m)
athel
heard
(adj.) noble
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave
a saint and archbishop of Canterbury (792-805)
Ethelinda (f)
Æðellind (f)
athel
lind
 (noun) noble
1) (noun) the linden- or lime-tree; 2) what is made of the wood of the tree, a shield
 
Aylmer (m)
Æðelmær (m)
athel
mar
 (adj.) noble
(adj.) great, splendid
an ealdorman of Hampshire (977-982); an ealdorman of the Western Provinces (c. 998-1014); 'se greata' the fat - a king's þegn (fl. 997-1009)
Ethelred (m)
Æðelréd (m)
athel
rad
 (adj.) noble
1) (noun) counsel, advice; 2) (noun) counsel, prudence, intelligence; 3) (noun) counsel, course of action that results from deliberation, plan, a resolution taken after deliberation, ordinance, decree; 4) what is advisable, benefit, advantage
brother of Alfred and King of Wessex (866-71 AD); son of Edgar and King of England (978-1016 AD)
Athelstan (m)
Æðelstan (m)
athel
stan
 (adj.) noble
(noun) stone
a king of Kent (d. c. 852); a king of Wessex (924-39); 'Half-King' an ealdorman of south-east Mercia (932-56); 'Rota' an ealdorman of Oxford and Buckingham; 'ætheling' (d. 1014)
Audrey (f)
Etheldred (f)
Æðelþrýþ(f)
athel
thryth
 (adj.) noble
(noun) power, force, strength
a saint (630?-679 AD), Queen of Northumbria and abbess of a convent at Ely (the present Cathedral is built over her remains)
Ethel (f)
Æðelu (f)
athel
 (adj.) noble
-u suffix makes feminine abstract nouns ('she who is noble')
Aylwin, Alwyn (m)
Æðelwine (m), Æðelwynn (f)
athel
wine/wynn
 (noun) an elf
wine (m) = (noun) a friend; wynn (f) = (noun) delight, pleasure
a Lady of the Mercians (918-19); and ealdorman of East Anglia (962-92)
Adolph (m)
Æðelwulf (m)
athel
wulf
(adj.) noble
(noun) wolf
a king of Wessex (839-58); a monk (fl. 803/21); an ealdorman of Wessex (d.870)

 

B

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Bardolph (m)
Beorhtwulf (m)
beorht
wulf
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
(noun) wolf
a king of Mercia (840-52)
Bernard (m)
Beornheard (m)
beorn
heard
 1) (noun) a man; 2) (noun) a prince, noble, chief, general, warrior, soldier; 3) (adj.) rich
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave
Bertha (f)
Bercta, Berhte (f)
beorht
 1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
a daughter of Charibert and queen of Æþelbert, King of Kent
Bevis (m)
Bobba
?puzzle (from ON bobbi 'snail-shell')
Bruno (m)
Brún (m)
brun
 brown

 

C

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Chad (m)
Ceada (m)
a monk of Lindisfarne who became Bishop of the Mercians and fixed his seat at Lichfield (d. 672)
Kenelm (m)
Cenhelm (m)
céne
helm
 (adj.) keen, fierce, bold, brave,warlike
(noun) helmet, covering for the head
Charles (m)
Ceorl (m)
ceorl
 1) (noun) a freeman of the lowest class, churl, countryman, husbandman; 2) (noun) a man, husband; 3) (noun) a man who is free (not a slave or nobleman)
Kenward (m)
Cenweard (m)
céne
weard
 (adj.) keen, fierce, bold, brave,warlike
(noun) a guard, warder, watchman, sentinel
Kenelm (m)
Coenhelm (m)
céne
helm
 (adj.) keen, fierce, bold, brave,warlike
(noun) helmet, covering for the head
St. Kenelm, king of Mercia, murdered 819
Cuthbert (m)
Cúþbeorht (m)
cuth
beorht
 1) (adj.) known, clear, manifest, plain, evident; 2) (adj.) known, well-known, sure, safe, noted, known as excellent, famed, celebrated; 3) (adj.) familiar, intimate, related friendly
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
St. Cuthbert (d. 687) Bishop of Lindisfarne, whose body, preserved in Durham Cathedral was said to work many miracles.
Kinborough (f)
Cyneburh (f)
cyne/cýne
burg/h
 kyun - (adj.) royal; kyoon - (adj.) bold, brave
burg = a city; burh = 1) a fortified place, fortress, castle, palace, walled town, dwelling surrounded by a wall or rampart of earth; 2) city, town, burg, borough
St. Kyneburg of Mercia (c. 657)
Kenrick (m)
Cynric (m)
cyne/cýne
ric
 kyun - (adj.) royal; kyoon - (adj.) bold, brave
(noun) a ruler
a grandson of Cerdic and 2nd ruler of Wessex (d. 560)

 

D

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Dunstan (m)
Dunstan (m)
dun/dún
stan
1) (adj.) dun - a colour partaking of brown and black; doon 2) (noun) mountain, hill, down; 3) (adj.) mountainous, hilly
(noun) stone
Archbishop of Canterbury, son of Heorstan 924-88

 

E

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Ada (f), Odo (m)
Eádda (m), Eadu (f)
ead
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adj.) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
-u suffix makes feminine abstract nouns ('she who is rich/has riches'); -a makes masculine nouns ('millionaire')
Edborough (f)
Eadburh (f)
ead
burh
 1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
1) (noun) a fortified place, fortress, castle, palace, walled town, dwelling surrounded by a wall or rampart of earth; 2) (noun) city, town, burg, borough
an 8th C. saint, abbess of Minster
Edgar (m)
Eadgár (m)
ead
gar
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms
Ead - the distinguishing mark of the royal house of Wessex. (944-75) a grandson of Alfred and one of the most successful kings of that house - his name was a favourite amony the English.
Edith (f)
Eadgúþ (f)
ead
gyth
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
(noun) war, battle, fight
a saint (962-84) and daughter of King Edgar; Henry I married a princess with this name known as Matilda or Mold.
Edith (f)
Eadgifu (f)
ead
gifu
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
(noun) a gift, grace, favour
Edmund, Edmond (m)
Eadmund (m)
ead
mund
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
1) (noun) hand; 2) (noun) palm (of the hand, as a measure); 3) (noun) trust, security, protection, guardianship; 4) (noun) protector, guardian
the Magnificent (922?-946), son of Edward the Elder; Ironside (981?-1016); saint and King of the East Angles, martyred by the Danes in 870
Edred (m)
Eadræd (m)
ead
rad
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
(noun) counsel, advice
a King of England (d. 955), son of Edward the Elder
Edward (m)
Eadweard (m)
ead
weard
 1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
1) (noun) a guard, warder, watchman; 2) (noun) guardian, protector, lord; 3) (noun) guardianship, protection, keeping
'the Elder' king from 901-924AD and son of Alfred the Great; a saint and martyr king from 975-978AD and son of Egdar; 'the Confessor' last English king of the Alfred line
Edwin (m)
Eadwine (m)
ead
wine
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
(noun) a friend
first Christian king of Northumberland (585?-633AD)
Aldous (m)
Ealda (m)
eald
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
-a suffix makes masculine nouns
 
Alfrid (m)
Ealdfr(i/í)þ (m)
eald
frith/fríth
1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
frith = (noun) peace; freeth = (adj.) stately, beautiful
a 7th C. king of Northumberland
Aldith (f)
Ealdgúþ (f)
eald
gyth
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) war, battle, fight
 
Aldhelm (m)
Ealdhelm (m)
eald
helm
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) helmet
Bishop of Sherborne (?640-709), later venerated as a saint
Aldred (m)
Ealdræd (m)
eald
rad
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) counsel, advice
'of Bamburgh' (913-c. 930); an ealdorman of Bamburgh (c1019-1038)
Aldwin (m)
Ealdwine (m)
eald
wine
 1) (adj.) old, ancient; 2) (adj.) eminent, great, exalted
(noun) friend
Arnold (m)
Earnweald (m)
earn
weald
(noun) an eagle
(adj.) powerful, mighty
Egbert (m)
Ecgbeorht (m)
ecg
beorht
 (noun)an edge, a sharpness, blade, sword
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
traditional first King of all England (died 839AD); a Northumbrian saint (639-729AD)
Elfleda (f)
Ælfflæd (f)
ælf
flæd
an elf
(beauty?)
Elfreda, Elfrid (f)
Ælfþrýþ (f)
ælf
thryth
 (noun) an elf
(noun) force, power, strength
2nd wife of King Edgar and mother of Ethelred the Unready. She was supposed to have killed her stepson Edward the Martyr
Elgiva (f)
Ælfgifu (f)
ælf
gifu
(adj.) noble
(noun) a gift, grace, favour
Ingram (m)
Engelram (m)
engel
ramm
 (noun) an angel, messenger
1) (noun) ram (sheep); 2) (noun) ram, an instrument for pounding or battering, (engine of war)
Everard (m)
Eoforheard (m)
eofor
heard
 (noun) a wild-boar
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave
Averil (f)
Eoforhild (f)
eofor
hild
 (noun) a wild-boar
(noun) war, battle
a 7th C. Yorkshire saint
Archibald (m)
Eorconbeald (m)
eorcon
beald
(adj.) genuine, simple
(adj.) bold, brave, confident, of good courage
Archibald (m)
Eorkonweald (m)
eorkon
weald
 (adj.) genuine, simple
(adj.) powerful, mighty
a saint who died in 693
Ermyntrude (f)
Eormengeard (f)
eormen
geard
 (adj.) universal, immense, whole, general
1) (noun) an enclosure, enclosed place, yard, garden, court, home, region, land; 2) (noun) staff, rod, stake, fagot
Ermyntrude (f)
Eormengild (f)
eormen
gild
 (adj.) universal, immense, whole, general
1) (noun) a payment of money, a tribute, compensation, retribution, substitution; 2) (noun) a payment to God, worship, sacrifice, offering, service; 3) (noun) a heathen deity; 4) (noun) a visible object of worship, an idol
Estrild (f)
Eostrehild (f)
eostre
hild
Eostre - the spring Goddess
(noun) war, battle
Ermyntrude (f)
Eormengeard (f), Eormengild (f)
eormen
geard/gild
 (adj.) universal, immense, whole, general
geard - 1) (noun) an enclosure, enclosed place, yard, garden, court, home, region, land; 2) (noun) staff, rod, stake, fagot; gild - 1) (noun) a payment of money, a tribute, compensation, retribution, substitution; 2) (noun) a payment to God, worship, sacrifice, offering, service; 3) (noun) a heathen deity; 4) (noun) a visible object of worship, an idol
Esmond (m)
Estmund (m)
est
mund
 1) (noun) will, consent, grace, favour, liberality, munificence, bounty; 2) delicacies
1) (noun) a hand; 2) protection
Estrild (f)
Eostrehild (f)
eostre
hild
Eostre - the spring Goddess
(noun) war, battle
Ethel (f)
Æðelu (f)
athel
 (adj.) noble
-u suffix makes feminine abstract nouns ('she who is noble')
Ethelbert (m)
Æðelbeorht (m)
athel
beorht
(adj.) noble
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Ethelburg (f)
Æðelburg/h (f)
athel
burg/h
 (adj.) noble
burg = (noun) a city; burh = 1) (noun) a fortified place, fortress, castle, palace, walled town, dwelling surrounded by a wall or rampart of earth; 2) (noun) city, town, burg, borough
Etheldred(a) (f)
Æðelþrýþ(f)
athel
thryth
 (adj.) noble
(noun) power, force, strength
Ethelfleda (f)
Æðelflæd (f)
athel
flad
 (adj.) noble
(noun) (beauty?)
Ethelinda (f)
Æðellind (f)
athel
lind
(adj.) noble
1) (noun) the linden- or lime-tree; 2) what is made of the wood of the tree, a shield
Ethelred (m)
Æðelréd (m)
athel
rad
 (adj.) noble
1) (noun) counsel, advice; 2) (noun) counsel, prudence, intelligence; 3) (noun) counsel, course of action that results from deliberation, plan, a resolution taken after deliberation, ordinance, decree; 4) what is advisable, benefit, advantage
Everard (m)
Eoforheard (m)
eofor
heard
 (noun) a wild-boar
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave

 

F

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Frederic/k (m)
Freódhorig,
Freoderic (m)
freod(e)
horig/ric
freod - 1) (noun) affection, friendship, peace, goodwill; freode - 1) (noun) liberty, privilege
1) (adj.) foul, dirty, defiled; 2) (noun) ruler
Frideswide (f)
Friþuswið (f)
frith/fríth-u
swith
frith = (noun) peace; freeth = (adj.) stately, beautiful
-u suffix makes feminine abstract nouns ('she who is stately/at peace')
(adj.) strong
St. Frithuswith/Fideswide, daughter of a king of Mercia (d. ?735)

 

G

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Godfrey (m)
Godfrið (m)
god/gód
frith/fríth
god - 1) God; 2) (noun) a god: good - 1) (adj.) good
frith = (noun) peace; freeth = (adj.) stately, beautiful
 
Godiva (f)
Godgifu (f)
god/gód
gifu
 god - 1) God; 2) (noun) a god: good - 1) (adj.) good
(noun) a gift, grace, favour
wife of Leofric of Mercia (fl. 1040-1080)
Godric (m)
Godric (f)
god/gód
ric
 god - 1) God; 2) (noun) a god: good - 1) (adj.) good
(noun) ruler
Godwin (m)
Godwine (m)
god/gód
wine
 god - 1) God; 2) (noun) a god: good - 1) (adj.) good
(noun) a friend
Goldwin (m)
Goldwine (m)
Gold
Wine
 Gold (the metal)
(noun) a friend
Goodeth (f)
Godgyð (f)
god/gód
gyth
 god - 1) God; 2) (noun) a god: good - 1) (adj.) good
(noun) war, battle, fight
Grimbald (m)
Grimbeald (m)
grim
beald
 1) (adj.) sharp, bitter, severe, fell, fierce, dire, savage, cruel, grim, horrible; 2) Grima - a name for Wodan
(adj.) bold, brave, confident, of good courage

 

H

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Herbert (m)
Herebeorht (m)
here
beorht
 (noun) an army, a host, multitude, a large predatory band
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Harold (m)
Hereweald (m)
here
weald
 (noun) an army, a host, multitude, a large predatory band
1) (noun) high land covered with wood, wood, forest; 2) (adj.) powerful, mighty
Harold Godwinson
Hereward (m)
Hereweard (m)
here
weard
 (noun) an army, a host, multitude, a large predatory band
1) (noun) a guard, warder, watchman; 2) (noun) guardian, protector, lord; 3) (noun) guardianship, protection, keeping
'the Wake' last leader of the Saxon rebellion
Hilda (f)
Hild (f)
hild
 (noun) war, battle
Ilbert (m)
Hildebeorht (m)
hild
beorht
 1) (noun) war, battle; 2) (noun) grace
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Robert (m)
Hreodbeorht (m)
hreód
beorht
 (noun) a reed
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Roger (m)
Hroðgar (m)
hróð
gár
 (noun) praise, fame, reputation
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms
Hubert (m)
Hygebeorht (m)
hyge
beorht
 (noun) mind, heart, soul
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Humphrey (m)
Hunfriþ (m)
hun/hún
frith/fríth
 hun 1) (noun) impurity; 2) (noun) diseased matter, disease; hoon - (noun) a bear-cub
frith = (noun) peace; freeth = (adj.) stately, beautiful

 

I

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Ilbert (m)
Hildebeorht (m)
hild
beorht
 1) (noun) war, battle; 2) (noun) grace
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Ingram (m)
Engelram (m)
engel
ramm
 (noun) an angel, messenger
1) (noun) ram (sheep); 2) (noun) ram, an instrument for pounding or battering, (engine of war)

 

K

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Kenelm (m)
Cenhelm (m), Coenhelm (m)
céne
helm
 (adj.) keen, fierce, bold, brave,warlike
(noun) helmet, covering for the head
Kenward (m)
Cenweard (m)
céne
weard
 (adj.) keen, fierce, bold, brave,warlike
(noun) a guard, warder, watchman, sentinel
Kinborough (f)
Cyneburh (f)
cyne/cýne
burg/h
 kyun - (adj.) royal; kyoon - (adj.) bold, brave
burg = (noun) a city; burh = 1) (noun) a fortified place, fortress, castle, palace, walled town, dwelling surrounded by a wall or rampart of earth; 2) (noun) city, town, burg, borough

 

L

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Lee (m)
Leah (m)
leáh
 1) (noun) a lea, meadow, open space, untilled land; 2) (noun) Lye - a mixture of ashes and water used for making soap
Leofric (m)
leóf
ric
 (adj.) desirable, pleasant, acceptable, loved, beloved, dear
(noun) ruler
Leofwin (m)
leóf
wine
 (adj.) desirable, pleasant, acceptable, loved, beloved, dear
(noun) a friend
Lyulf, Lyulph (m)
Ligulf (m)
lig
wulf
 (noun) fire, flame, lightning
(noun) a wolf

 

M

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Maynard (m)
Mægenheard (m)
mægen
heard
(noun) might, strength, force, power, vigour, efficacy, virtue, faculty, ability
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave
Mildburh (f)
mild
burh
 (adj.) mild, merciful, kind, generous, gentle, meek
1) (noun) a fortified place, fortress, castle, palace, walled town, dwelling surrounded by a wall or rampart of earth; 2) (noun) city, town, burg, borough
St. and abbess (d. 722?), daughter of a king of Mercia, her sister was Mildthryth
Mildred (f)
Mildþrýþ (f)
mild
thryth
(adj.) mild, merciful, kind, generous, gentle, meek
(noun) force, power, strength
St. and abbess (d. 700), daughter of a king of Mercia, her sister was Mildburh

 

N

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Norman (m)
Norðman (m)
norð
man
the direction north
one, anyone, they, people

 

O

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Odo (m)
Eádda (m), Eádu (f)
eád
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adj.) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
-u suffix makes feminine abstract nouns ('she who is rich/has riches'); -a makes masculine nouns ('millionaire')
Ogier (m)
Eadgár (m)
ead
gar
1) (noun) a possesion, riches, prosperity, happiness, bliss; 2) (adjective) rich, wealthy, blessed, happy
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms
Osbert (m)
Osbeorht (m)
ós
beorht
 (noun) a divinity, god
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Osborn (m)
Osbeorn (m)
ós
beorn
 (noun) a divinity, god
(noun) 1) man; noble, hero, chief, prince, warrior; rich man; 2) burned; 3) children
Asketil, Anketil (m)
Óscytel (m)
ós
cytel
(noun) a divinity, god
(noun) ?a kettle, brazen or copper pot, cauldron
an archibishop of York (c. 955-971)
Oscar (m)
Osgar (m)

ós
gár

 (noun) a divinity, god
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms
Osmond (m)
Osmund (m)
ós
mund
(noun) a divinity, god
(noun) 1) a hand; 2) protection
Oswald (m)
Osweald (m)
ós
weald
(noun) a divinity, god
1) (noun) high land covered with wood, wood, forest; 2) (adj.) powerful, mighty

 

R

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Ralph, Ralf (m)
Rædwulf (m)
ræd
wulf
1) (noun) counsel, advice; 2) (noun) counsel, prudence, intelligence; 3) (noun) counsel, course of action that results from deliberation, plan, a resolution taken after deliberation, ordinance, decree; 4) what is advisable, benefit, advantage
(noun) a wolf
Randal (m)
Randwulf (m)
rand
wulf
 (noun) a shield
(noun) a wolf
Rayner (m)
Regenhere (m)
régn
heard
 intensifies the word it is put with
(adj.) hard, harsh, austere, severe, rigorous, stern, stubborn, firm, hardy, brave
Reynold (m)
Regenweald (m)
régn
weald
 intensifies the word it is put with
1) (noun) high land covered with wood, wood, forest; 2) (adj.) powerful, mighty
Robert (m)
Hreodbeorht (m)
hreód
beorht
 (noun) a reed
1) (noun) brightness, a glistening, light, sight, glance, twinkling; 2) (adj.) bright, light, clear, lucid, splendid, excellent; 3) (adj.) bright, brilliant, magnificent, noble, glorious, sublime, divine, holy
Roger (m)
Hroðgar (m)
hróð
gár
(noun) praise, fame, reputation
(noun) a dart, javelin, spear, shaft, arrow, weapon, arms

 

S

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Selwyn (m)
Selewine (m)
sele
wine
 (noun) a hall, house, dwelling
(noun) a friend
Saer, Sayer (m)
Sigehere (m)
sige
here/hére
(noun) 1) a fall, setting of the sun; 2) victory, triumph
(noun) 1) an army, a host, multitude, a large predatory band; 2) dignity, majesty, greatness
Sewal (m)
Sigeweald (m)
sige
weald
 (noun) 1) a fall, setting of the sun; 2) victory, triumph
1) (noun) high land covered with wood, wood, forest; 2) (adj.) powerful, mighty
Siward (m)
Sigeweard (m)
sige
weard
 (noun) 1) a fall, setting of the sun; 2) victory, triumph
(noun) a guard, warder, watchman, sentinel
Swiþun (m)
swíþ
 (adj.) strong
Bishop of Winchester (d. 852) and weather Saint

 

T

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Theobald (m)
Þeódbeald (m)
þeód
beald
 (noun) a nation, people
(adj.) bold, brave, confident, of good courage
Theodoric (m)
Þeódric (m)
þeód
ric
 (noun) a nation, people
(noun) ruler

 

U

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Uhtræd (m)
úht
ræd
 (noun) the time just before daybreak
1) (noun) counsel, advice; 2) (noun) counsel, prudence, intelligence; 3) (noun) counsel, course of action that results from deliberation, plan, a resolution taken after deliberation, ordinance, decree; 4) what is advisable, benefit, advantage
Ulric (m)
Wulfric (m)
wulf
ric
 (noun) a wolf
(noun) ruler

 

W

Modern (m/f)
Old English
Element(s)
Meaning/People
Walter (m)
Wealdhere (m)
weald
here/hére
 1) (noun) high land covered with wood, wood, forest; 2) (adj.) powerful, mighty
(noun) 1) an army, a host, multitude, a large predatory band; 2) dignity, majesty, greatness
Waltheof (m)
Wealdþeóf (m)
weald
þeóf
 1) (noun) high land covered with wood, wood, forest; 2) (adj.) powerful, mighty
(noun) a thief
Earl of Northumbria, executed by William I in 1076 and his grandson, Abbot of Melrose (d. 1159) were regarded as Saints
Wystan (m)
Wigstan (m)
wig/wíg
stán
 (noun) weh 1) a way; wee 2) an idol; 3) fight, battle, war, conflict
(noun) stone
King of Mercia, murdered as a boy in 849 later sainted
Wihtræd (m)
wiht
ræd
 (noun) a wight, creature, being, created thing
1) (noun) counsel, advice; 2) (noun) counsel, prudence, intelligence; 3) (noun) counsel, course of action that results from deliberation, plan, a resolution taken after deliberation, ordinance, decree; 4) what is advisable, benefit, advantage
Wilfred, Wilfrid (m)
Wilfriþ (m)
wil
friþ/fríþ
 (noun) 1) will, pleasure; 2) a pleasant or desireable thing
frith = (noun) peace; freeth = (adj.) stately, beautiful
St. Wilfrid (c. 634-709) Bishop of York
Ulric (m)
Wulfric (m)
wulf
ric
 (noun) a wolf
(noun) ruler
Wystan (m)
Wigstan (m)
wig/wíg
stán
 (noun) wih 1) a way; wee 2) an idol; 3) fight, battle, war, conflict
(noun) stone
King of Mercia, murdered as a boy in 849 later sainted

 

Sources:
Stephen Pollington - First Steps in Old English
Ann Williams, Alfred P Smyth and D P Kirby - A Biographical Dictionary of Dark-Age Britain
E. G. Withycombe - The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names

 

© Rosie Wilkin 2003
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