Medieval NamesFacts and interesting information about Medieval Life, specifically, Medieval Names Medieval Names - The introduction of Surnames The introduction of Surnames in England. In the 13th century almost one third of the men in England were called either John, Richard or William. This obviously started to cause considerable confusion when people started to move away from their own villages. To ease the situation people were referred to as William the son of Robert which lead to the surname of Robertson. Alternatively William could also be distinguished by his occupation for example William the baker leading to the surname of Baker, Richard the Gardner leading to the surname of Gardiner and John the smith being called John Smith. Medieval Names - Meanings and origins The meanings and origins of Surnames extended to places, described a profession, trade or status, were connected to Nationalities or were highly descriptive reflecting a physical or characteristic attribute or have been derived from nicknames. Most people are familiar with the legend of Robin Hood and the names used in this story. Here's a reminder of some of them which provide some examples of the origins of Medieval names: Medieval Names - Examples of Origins | Robin Hood - A descriptive name from 'Robin in the hood' Little John - A descriptive name describing a physical characteristic Maid Marion - A descriptive name describing a characteristic i.e. Maid Alan a Dale - First name combined with a place name Friar Tuck - Name reflecting a status i.e. Friar Much the Miller's son - Family name combined with a trade name Will Scarlet - A descriptive name |
Examples of Medieval Names The following examples details Medieval names for men and women Male Medieval Names | Female Medieval Names | Walter John Roger Joseph Geoffrey William Robert Francis Simon Edmund Benedict Peter Henry Thomas Arthur Mark Matthew Luke | Alice Ellyn Eliose Maud Mary Amelia Catherine Anne Blanche Hawise Elizabeth Hildegard Beatrix Eleanor Isabel Margaret Matilda Winifred |
Medieval Life: Medieval Names The Medieval Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about the life of people who lived during the Middle Ages which scatter the Medieval History books including the subject of Medieval Names. The Medieval Times Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the lives of the people who lived during this historical period. The content of this article on Medieval Names provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework. |