Norman Names

Male Names
  • Bernard (Germanic) - Bear brave; brave like a bear [Dutch, English, German and Polish speaking countries]

    There have been various saints named Bernard. The St Bernard dogs are named for St Bernard of Menthon who established a hospice on what is now known as the St Bernard Pass. This is the pass over the Pennine Alps of Switzerland and Italy. The dogs were use

  • Bruce (English) - N/A [English speaking countries]
  • Darell (French) - From Airel [English speaking countries]
  • Darnell (English) - Hidden alcove, hidden niche [English speaking countries]

    Darnell is a name that has become a given name but originated as an Old English habituation surname given to or taken by those who lived in a hidden copse or a hard to find area. Another line of etymology points to an Old French origination brought to En

  • Darrell (French) - From Airel [English speaking countries]
  • Dewey (English) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    Of uncertain origin but possibly from a Norman place name.

  • Dillon (Welsh) - N/A [English speaking countries]
  • Fraser (English) - Uncertain, perhaps "from Frisia" [English speaking countries]
  • Harold (English) - Leader of an army [English speaking countries]

    There have been two English kings named Harold. The second, Harold Godwinson, was killed in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings. By popular legend, he died when an arrow was shot in his eye. There have also been three Kings of Denmark named Harald and five kin

  • Lyle (French) - Island [English speaking countries]
  • Norman (Gaelic) - Thor mind, Thor courage [English speaking countries]

    It is also used as an anglicisati

  • Norris (French) - Northener [English speaking countries]
  • Pacey (French) - Paccius' place [English speaking countries]
  • Randolph (Norse) - Rim, shield + wolf [English speaking countries]
  • Raymond (Germanic) - Advice; decision protector [English and French speaking countries]

    Raymond was the name of seven Counts of Toulouse, up until the 13th century.

    Raymond Poincaré was a French politician, who was President of France during the First World War. Raymond Chandler was an author.

    'Everybody loves

  • Richard (French) - Strong power; hardy power [Czech, Dutch, English, French and German speaking countries]

    Richard has always been a very popular name throughout the English-speaking world. It was first imported to England by the Normans, though it is derived from the Germanic elements "ric" (power) and "hard" (strong, hardy). The original form was probably

  • Robert (Germanic) - Bright fame [Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Norwegian and Swedish speaking countries]

    There have been various saints named Robert. St Robert of Molesme was one of the founders of the Cistercian monastic order. St Robert Bellarmine was a Catholic Cardinal, and is one of the Doctors of the Church.

    There were three kings of Sc

  • Ronald (Norse) - Ruler with counsel [English speaking countries]

    From the Old norse, composed of the elements meaning "Advice; decision; the gods" and "ruler".

    Ronald Reagan was President of the United States 1981-9. Ronald McDonald is the clown mascot of restaurant chain McDonald's and Ronald Weasley is

  • Travis (French) - Toll collector [English speaking countries]

    A Norman French name ultimately derived from the verb 'traverser' (to cross).

  • Vernon (Norse) - Place of alders [English speaking countries]
  • Wallace (French) - Foreigner [English speaking countries]
  • Walter (Germanic) - Ruler of the army [English speaking countries]

    From the combination of the Germanic elements "rule" and "army".

    Famous Walters include journalist Walter Cronkite, author Walter Scott, explorer and sailor Walter Raleigh. Animator Walt Disney was a Walter.

  • Warren (Germanic) - Guard; the game park [English speaking countries]

    Name borne by the 29th US President, Warren Gamaliel Harding. Other famous bearers include Rapper Warren G., film star Warren Beatty, rock star Warren Zevon and philanthropist Warren Buffet.

    The Warren Commission was the unofficial name of

  • William (Germanic) - Will, desire + helmet, protection [English speaking countries]

    William comes from the Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection). It was the 10th most popular name for boys in the US in 2006, and the 7th most popular in the UK.

    There have been many rulers named William, incl

  • Wyatt (English) - Brave/strong/hardy war [English speaking countries]

    Historically, Wyatt was predominantly used only as a surname, though it occasionally made an appearance as a first name (e.g. the American cowboy Wyatt Earp). It is now very popular as a first name in the U.S.

Female Names
  • Alison (Germanic) - Noble kind; of the noble sort [English and French speaking countries]

    A Norman French diminutive of Alice.

    The name was particularly popular in Scotland from the 16th century, and was revived in England in the 20th century. In the USA, Alison experienced it's highest popularity in the mid 1980s when it broke

  • Claire (Latin) - Clear; bright; famous [English speaking countries]

    "Claire" is the French feminine adjective for "clear."

    Claire is the name of a computer programming language; "Claire's" is a well-known accessories store in the U.S and UK. Famous bearers include actress Claire Danes and US senator Claire

Gender Neutral Names
  • Ainsley (Gaelic) - Hermitage in or at the clearing or wood [English speaking countries]

    A derivative of Ansley, a Scottish surname of a habituation nature. Has enjoyed moderate success in the latest trend of choosing surnames as given names. Traditionally a masculine name, it is sometimes used in these modern times for a girl.

  • Jocelyn (French) - Tribal name of the Gauts [English speaking countries]

    In past centuries an exclusively male name, Jocelyn is today given almost exclusively to females.

    Jocelyn Bell Purnell is an astrophysicist, who helped discover pulsars. Other famous bearers include socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein and comedi

  • River (English) - River [English speaking countries]
  • Terry (Germanic) - Ruler of the people [English speaking countries]

    From the name Thierry (Germanic for "ruler of the people") or a pet form of Terence (Latin name of uncertain origin) or Theresa (meaning "harvester").

  • Tracey (English) - Thracius' place [English speaking countries]

    Also an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Treasach ('warlike, fierce')