# Germanic name

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Type of given name

Not to be confused with [German name](/source/German_name).

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[Germanic](/source/Germanic_languages) [given names](/source/Given_name) are traditionally [dithematic](/source/Dithematic_name); that is, they are formed from two elements ([stems](/source/Word_stem)), by joining a [prefix](/source/Prefix) and a [suffix](/source/Suffix). For example, [King Æþelred](/source/%C3%86thelred_the_Unready)'s name was derived from **[æþele](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%C3%A6%C3%BEele#Old_English)**, meaning "noble", and **[ræd](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/r%C3%A6d#Old_English)**, meaning "counsel".[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The individual elements in dithematic names do not necessarily have any [semantic](/source/Semantic) relationship to each other and the combination does not usually carry a [compound](/source/Compound_word) meaning. Dithematic names are found in a variety of [Indo-European languages](/source/Indo-European_languages) and are often derived from formulaic [epithets](/source/Epithet) of heroic praise.[1] Another suggestion is that they reflected wishes for newborns.[2]

There are also names dating from an early time which seem to be monothematic, consisting only of a single element. These are sometimes explained as [hypocorisms](/source/Hypocorism), short forms of originally dithematic names, but in many cases the etymology of the supposed original name cannot be recovered.[3]

The oldest known Germanic names date to the [Roman Empire](/source/Roman_Empire) period, such as those of *[Arminius](/source/Arminius)* and his wife *[Thusnelda](/source/Thusnelda)* in the 1st century CE, and in greater frequency, especially [Gothic names](/source/Gothic_names), in the late Roman Empire, in the 4th to 5th centuries (the [Germanic Heroic Age](/source/Germanic_Heroic_Age)).[4]

A great variety of names are attested from the [medieval period](/source/Middle_Ages), falling into the rough categories of Scandinavian ([Old Norse](/source/Old_Norse)), Anglo-Saxon ([Old English](/source/Old_English)), continental ([Frankish](/source/Old_Frankish), [Old High German](/source/Old_High_German) and [Low German](/source/Low_German)), and [East Germanic](/source/East_Germanic_languages) (see [Gothic names](/source/Gothic_names)[5]) forms.

By the [High Middle Ages](/source/High_Middle_Ages), many of these names had undergone numerous sound changes and/or were abbreviated, so that their derivation is not always clear.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Of the large number of medieval Germanic names, a comparatively small set remains in common use today. For almost a thousand years, the most frequent name of Germanic origin in the English-speaking world has traditionally been [William](/source/William_(name)) (from the [Old High German](/source/Old_High_German) *Willahelm*), followed by [Robert](/source/Robert), [Richard](/source/Richard) and [Henry](/source/Henry_(given_name)).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Many native English (Anglo-Saxon) names fell into disuse in the later Middle Ages but experienced a revival in the [Victorian era](/source/Victorian_era).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Some of these are [Edwin](/source/Edwin), [Edmund](/source/Edmund_(given_name)), [Edgar](/source/Edgar_(name)), [Alfred](/source/Alfred_(name)), [Oswald](/source/Oswald_(given_name)) and [Harold](/source/Harold_(given_name)) for males; the female names [Mildred](/source/Mildred_(name)) and [Gertrude](/source/Gertrude_(given_name)) also continue to be used in present day, *[Audrey](/source/Audrey)* continues the Anglo-Norman (French) form of the Anglo-Saxon *[Æðelþryð](/source/%C3%86%C3%B0el%C3%BEry%C3%B0)*, while the name *[Godiva](/source/Godiva)* is a Latin form of *[Godgifu](/source/Godgifu_(disambiguation))*.

Some names, like [Howard](/source/Howard) and [Ronald](/source/Ronald), are thought to originate from multiple Germanic languages, including Anglo-Saxon.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Dithematic names

Element Meaning First element Second element Examples Notes act, aht, oht fearsome(?) Y Ohthere, Ohtrad, Actumerus, Octric, Actulf; Actohildis, Octolindis Pokorny[6] suggests rather the root of OHG āhta `hostile pursuit', Germ.. Acht, OE. ōht 'pursuit, harassment'[7]< *anhtō, in OE conflated with ōht 'terror', from the preterite of ag- "fear".[8] These represent perhaps two or more roots which are indistinguishable without *agi-; eg, ecg, egg, ekk, agin, egin sword, blade Y Egbert, Ecgbald, Eggert, Ecgwine, Ekkehart, Ecgric, Eginolf; Ecgwynn, Egon Some names in ag-, eg- may be unrelated in origin; see Förstemann, 9. agil, ail, eil dread or weapon edge Y Agilperht, Agilfrid, Agilulf, Egilger, Agilmar/Ilmar/Elmar, Egil, Egilrat; Alruna, Agilburgis, Uncertain etymology; like agin perhaps a hypostatis of the older ag-; Förstemann, 22. See Agilaz. ala all Y Alafrid, Alager, Alamunt, Alarad, Alaric, Alaruna, Alasuind Some names in ala- have this etymology; others are corruptions of names in aþal-. Förstemann, 39. ald, eald old Y —[9] Altopold, Altiperht, Aldfrid/Aldfrith, Aldegar, Aldman, Ealdred/Aldred, Aldwig, Aldwin/Audoin/Alduin, Ealdwulf/Aldwulf; Aldedrudis, Aldeberga/Aldburg, Aldigart, Altagund/Ealdgyð, Aldelindis, Aldis *albi-; ælf, elf, alf elf Y —[10] Ælfwine, Ælfric, Alfred, Ælfweard, Ælfsige;[11] Ælfflæd, Ælfwaru, Ælfwynn *alh, alah, ealh hall, temple Y Ealhhelm, Ealhmund/Alcmund, Alhred, Ealhwine/Alcuin; Ealhswith, Ælgifu(?)[12] Perhaps related to runic alu amala work(?) Y Amaleberga, Amalafrida, Amalrica, Amalaswintha/Melisende/Millicent cf. Amalia, Amelie. This element's etymology is uncertain, but it is frequently compared to Old Norse aml "work". angil, engel; ingal/ingel a tribal name Y Angilbald, Angilberht/Engelbert, Engilfrit, Angalgar, Angilhelm/Ingelhelm, Engilhoh; (Ingalberta), Angilburga, Angildruda, Engilgund Names in angil- may arise with Christianization, by conflation with the prefix ingal-, an extension of the theophoric ing- prefix; see Förstemann, 89. *aþal-, adall, æthel noble Y Æthelhard, Æthelred, Adolf/Æthelwulf, Alphonse, Albert/Adelbert, Adelbrand/Alebrand, Æthelburh, Adelaide, Æthelstan, Æthelflæd, Adalsinda, Adelmar, Æthelthryth/Audrey, Aðils, Æthelgifu see ethel, odal, *anô-, ON anu or ái, OHG ano ancestor Y (?) Olaf Hypocorisms Ole, Åke/Åge *ans-, ON ás, OHG ans, AS os god Y — Asbjørn/Osborne, Ansgar/Osgar,[13] Oswin, Oswald/Ansaldo/Answald, Ansleth, Ásleikr/Anslech/Oslac,[14] Ansfridus, Anshelmus/Anselm, Ansgisus/Ansegisus, Ansbrecht/Osbert, Osburh, Osgyth, Osthryth ar, ara, ari, arni, earn eagle Y Arafrid, Aramund, Arswind, Arfrid, Arnipert, Arnold, Arnulf, Arvid Many of these names cannot be distinguished with certainty from the corresponding name in hari-. arb, erb, erf inheritance Y —[15] Arbogastis, Erbhart, Erphari, Erpolach, Erflind, Erbemar, Erpmund, Erferat, Erferih, Erpwin, Erpulf Hypocorisms Aribo, Erbo asc, æsc ash, spear (made of ash tree) Y Askold, Aschari, Asclind, Ascarich, Ascwin, Asculf cf. Oisc, Ask *audaz, aud, od, euþ, auþ, euth, ead, eod, jóð wealth, prosperity Y Audeca, Audofleda, Auduin, Odotheus, Audovacar/Odoacer, Odomir/Otmar/Ottomar/Othmar/Ademar, Edgar/Audagar/Ottokar, Edmund, Eadnoth, Eadred/Edred, Edward, Eadwig, Eadwulf, Edwin, Eadgifu, Edith. Eadgils (etc.) Extremely frequent. cf. also Ethel, Otto, Odda, Auðr aun, on, ean one (?) Y Eanhere, Aunefrit/Eanfrith, Aunemund, Onerich, Aunulf; Eanflæd Possibly "one" due to vowel being pronounced farther back in the mouth. At the time, and given those bearing the name, slowly becoming Old English "an", meaning "one'. But officially the etymology is unknown; see Förstemann, 181. aus, aust, eost radiant; a goddess Y Auripert, Aurendil/Orendil/Aurvandil, Aurulf; Ostheri, Austrad, Austrobert, Austraberta, Ostarpurc, Aostarger, Aostargart, Austrigisil, Ostarhilt, Ostremund, Austrad, Australd, Ostruin, Austrulf Possibly theophoric, see Eostre, Aurvandil bald bold Y Y Baldwin; Theobald, Ubaldo, etc. Very frequent, and often conflated with the wald element. band band, loop Y ? Pandulf/Pandolfo baud, bad, bud, badu, beadu, both battle? Y Y Baudigisil, Baudegund, Baudemund, Baudulf, Beadohild, Beaduhelm, Beaduwine, Bothvildr Uncertain etymology; mostly in old names (before the 8th century) Förstemann, 216f. In later use indistinguishable from bald baug ring Y Baugegundus, Bauglind, Baugulf *berht-; beraht, bryht, briht bright Y Y Byrhtnoth, Bertrand, Bertram, Bertold/Berthold, Beorhtric, Bertrude, Brihtwyn; Cuthbert, Aribert, Albert/Albright/Adelbert, Rigobert, Robert/Rupert, Herbert, Humbert, Hubert, Norbert, Wilbert, Delbert/Dagobert, Engelbert, Egbert, Lambert, Sindbert, Bertstan, Lubbert, Ludbert, Engilbrecht, Thuringbert, Wolfbert hypocorism Bert. One of the most frequent elements, but not attested before the 6th century. burg, beorg fortress Y Y Burchard/Burkhart, Burgred; Cuthburh, Eadburh, Æthelburh, Notburga, Osburh, Redburga, Seaxburh, Walpurga, Werburgh The suffix is feminine only. See also Burke bera, bern, berin, beorn bear Y Berengar, Berahart/Bernhard/Bernard, Berhildis, Berahoch, Bermar, Berimund, Beornwulf cf. Beonna, Berig bil blade, sword Y Biligrim,[16] Bilihelm, Bilihild, Billfrith, Belimar, Bilidruda, Pilolf among the Saxons often monothematic, as Bilo, Pilicho, Pillin, Billung blic lightning Y Blictrud, Blicger, Blicgart, Plechelm, Blicildis blid blithe Y Bliddruda, Bllithar, Blithelm, Blidhild, Blidmar, Blidulf, Blidemund, Plittelmi bord shield — Y Herebord, Hiltiport, Saelbort, Willipord brand fire, as a kenning for "sword" Y Y Branthildis, Branthoc, Brandulf; Adelbrand, Gerbrand, Hildebrand, Hadubrand, IJsbrand, Liutprand, Rembrandt, Theudebrand cf. Brant. Attested from the 7th century, with the exception of Gothic Brandila brun armour, protection; brown Y Brunfrid, Brunger, Brunric, Brunward, Brunulf/Brynolf/Brunolf/Brynjolfr/Brunulphe; Brunhild; Adalbrun, Hiltibrun, Liefbrun, Liutbrun. The words for "armour" and for "brown" are unrelated, but a distinction of these two elements is impossible. dag, tag day Y Y Tagapald/Dacbold, Dagaperht/Dagobert, Tachiprand, Dagafrid, Dachelm, Tagarat/Dagred, Dagaric, Dagewin, Dagaulf; Alfdag, Osdag, Heridag, Helmdag, Hildidag, Hroddag, Wendildag, Wulfdag, Possibly a conflation of several roots, perhaps brightness, day, and a loan of Celtic dago "good". deor dear Y Deorwine / Darwin / Derwin dis, idis lady Y Y Dissibod, Disnot Names with this prefix are probably theophoric. In Nordic feminine names with the suffix -dis, the meaning is "woman". diur, deor animal Y Deurtrudis, Thiurhilt, Deorold, Deorulf The meaning of this element may be either "animal" (deer) or "dear". See also Deor. dom judgement (doom) Y ?[17] Dombert, Domedrudis, Domegerdis, Domalde, Duomolf druht, droc, druc people Y Droctbold, Drocberta, Drutberga, Drucfred, Druhtgang, Truhthari, Droctelm, Dructildis, Druhtmar, Dructimund, Dructuin, Dructulf ebur, eber, eofor, ever boar Y Eparpert/Everbert, Euerberga, Euurdag/Everdei/Eofordæg, Ebertrudis, Eparfrid, Eberger, Eberhard/Eoforheard/Everard/Evorhart/Euerart/Everett, Ebarhelm/Evorhelm, Eburhilt, Ebirmuot, Ebermunt, Ebarolt/Euerwolt, Eberwin/Ebroin, Eberulf/Everwolf/Everolf, Eboric/Everik, Eoforwulf, Everrod, Everbalt, Everwacchor era, eri, erin, ern honour Y Erarich, Eranbald, Erambert, Ernulf Probably a genuine element, but difficult to distinguish from hari, which is also often reduced to eri-, er-, or from ari, arni. The form erin-, on the other hand, is often conflated with the irm- element. ercan, erchen, archen, eorcen pure, genuine[18] Y Ercanberaht/Eorcenberht/Erchempert, Ercanbold/Archibald, Ercamberta, Ercanpurh, Ercantrud, Ercanfrid, Ercangar, Ercanhilt, Erchensinda, Erchinoald/Erchanold, Archanolf/Erchenulf Förstemann, 377 connects OGH ercan "sublime, pure, holy" (the general sense in Gothic as well). In OE and ON used in compounds designating various "precious" stones. Perhaps theophoric, from a name of Teiwaz.[19] erl, eorl warrior, noble Y Erlabald/Erlembald, Erlefrida, Erligar, Erlemund, Erlwin, Erlulf Pokorny suggests a tentative link with ari-, arni- "eagle", an 'l' suffix form of which is found in the Balto-Slavic languages. ewa, ew, eu, eo ever Y Euin, Eubert, Eomar, Eumund, Ewirat, Eric, Eowig, Eolf far, fara; fart, fard journey, travel Y Y Farabert, Faregar, Feriher, Farohildis, Ferlinda, Faraman, Faramod, Faramund, Faroald, Faruin, Faraulf, Farnulf; Farthilt, Fartman, Ferdinand,[20] Fardulf; Adalfer, Leobafar, Sicfara, Theudifara fast firm, fast Y — Fastburg, Fastrada, Fastrih, Fastwin, Fastulf fili much, many(?) Y Filibert, Feologild?, Filuliub, Filomar, Filomuot *friþu-; ON friþ, OHG fridu protection, peace Y Y Fredegar, Ferdinand,[20] Fredegund/Frithugyth, Friedrich/Frederick, Frithuwold, Fridthjof/Fritiof; Billfrith, Dietfried, Ecgfrith/Ecgfrida, Ermenfrid, Godfried, Gottfried, Sigfrid/Siegfried, Walfrid/Walfried[21] In Old English, used almost exclusively for male names; Ecgfriþ is noted exception[21] flad, flæð purity, glory, beauty Y Y Fladebert, Flatberta, Flatberga, Fladrudis, Fledrad, Flidulf; Albofledis/Ælfflæd, Ansfledis, Audofleda/Aethelflaed, Berhtflat, Burgofledis, Druhtflat, Ermenfleda, Gerflat, Gundiflat, Hrotflat, Ratflad, Sigiflat, Wynflæd The suffix is feminine only. fram spear, javelin Y Frambold, Frambert, Framsindis, Franemund, Franswinda Almost exclusively Frankish names franc a tribal name Y Francobert, Frangomere, Franchrih fraw, fro, frea; fri lord Y Frowin, Frawibald, Frawiprecht, Frawihilt, Frowimund, Frowini, Frauirat, Frawisinda, Freawaru; Friher, Frehild, Friulf cf. Fróði; theophoric (see Fraujaz, Frijjō). frig, freh bold Y Frigobert, Frehholt, Friculf frod wise, prudent Y Frotbald, Frodobert, Frotfar, Frotfrid, Frodegard, Frothard, Frotland, Frotmir, Frotmund, Frodwin, Frodulf hypocorisms Frodo, Frutilo, Frodin frum good, beneficial Y Frumiger, Frumihilt, Frumirat, Frumirih, Frumold, Frumolf, Frumar fulc, folc, volc people, folk Y Y Folcbald, Forlberaht/Volcbert, Fulcdag, Folhker/Folcger, Folchard, Fulchar/Volker, Volkhard, Folcleih, Fulclindis, Folcman, Folcmar/Volkmar, Folcnand, Fulcrad, Fulcrich, Folcswind, Fulcuald, Folcward, Folcwin, Fulculf; Heidifolc, Herifolch, Hrodfolc, Ratfolc, Sigifolc, Saelfolc funs, fús eager, brave — Y Amdefuns, Adalfuns/Alphonse, Bernefons, Hadufuns, Sigifuns, Valafons gail, gel gay, merry Y — Gelbold, Geilindis, Geilamir, Gailswindis, Geilwib, Geilwih, hypocorism Gailo, Geliko gamal, gam old Y — Gamalbold, Gamalbert, Gamalberga, Gamaltrudis, Gamalfred, Gamalher, Camalrat, gaman joy Y Gamanhilt, Gamanolt, Gamanulf Only Old High German, rare gan walk? Y Y Gannibald, Ganefard, Ganhart; Adalgan, Audiganus, Wolfgan gand, gend magic Y Y Gantberga, Gentfrid, Ganthar/Ganther, Gendrad, Gandaricus, Gandulf ; Gredegand, Charigand, Hrodogand, Gislegendis Hypocorisms Gando, Gantalo, Gandin; cf. Gandalfr (mythological) gang path, journey Y Y Gangperht, Gangolf; Bertegang, Druhtgang, Hildigang, Hrodegang, Thiotcanc, Uligang, Widugang, Wiligang, Wolfgang gar, ger, earlier gais spear Y Y Gerald, Gerhard/Gerard, Gerbrand, Gerwin, German; Berengar, Edgar, Oscar, Hrothgar/Roger, Thøger/Tøger/Theodgar hypocorism Gero, Gerry. Very frequent both as prefix and as suffix. Gerðr is the wife of Freyr in Norse mythology. gard enclosure Y Y Gardrad, Gardulf; Hildegard, Irmgard, Liutgart, Richardis, etc. Rare as a prefix, very frequent as a suffix. The great majority of names with this suffix are feminine. gast guest; spirit Y Y Castald, Gestilind, Gestiliub, Gastrad; Altgast, Alpkast, Andragast, Arbogast, Cunigast, Hartigast, Hiltigast, Hungast, Lindigast, Milgast, Nebiogast, Salagast, Suabgast, Widogast, Visogast Mostly as suffix; frequent in early (3rd to 4th centuries) names; frequent conflation with Slavic names (Radegast, Gustaph). gaud, gaut, gaus, got, goz a tribal name Y Y Gauzebald/Cozpolt/Gausbolda, Gaucibert/Gozperaht, Gauseprand, Gausburgis, Gauttrudis, Caozflat, Gautfred, Gozger, Gauter/Kozheri, Gautastabaz/Göstaf/Gösta/Gustav, Gautshelm, Gauthildis, Gozleih, Gautlindis, Gautrekr, Goswin/Gaudoin, Gaudulf; Algaut, Amalgaud, Ansegaud, Ariugaud, Ostgaus/Aostargaoz, Berengaud, Danegaud, Trutgaud, Ebregaud, Ercangaud, Erlegaud, Faregaud, Gisalgoz, Helmigaud, Hildegaud, Hohgaud, Hungoz, Irmegaus, Ermengaud, Teutgaud, Ulgaud, Waldegaud, Wihgoz, Vuldargoza. The tribal name of the Geats/Goths. Hypocorisms Gaudo, Gaudila, Gauzilin, Gaudin. These names are popular during the 6th to 11th centuries. The forms in got are difficult to distinguish from the element god "god". geld, gild; gold worthy; gold, payment, yield Y Y Giltbert, Gelther, Gildemir, Giltrada, Geldirih, Goldrun, Geltwif, Geltwig, Gildewin, Geldulf; Amalgaldis, Ausigildis, Adalgildis, Athanagild, Beregildis, Bertegildis, Trutgildis, Faregildis, Framengildis, Fredegildis, Frotgiliis, Gislegildis, Herigilid, Hleokelt, Lantegildis, Rihgelt, Sparagildis, Teutgildis, Wandegildis, Witgildis, Wolfgelt, etc. Hypocorisms Gildo, Gilting, Coldin, Gilticho gifu; geb, gib gift Y Y Gibbold, Gibborga, Gibitrudis, Giffrid, Gebhard, Gebaheri, Gibohildis, Gebahoh, Gebalinda, Geberad, Geberic, Gebawin, Gibulf; Ælgifu/Ælfgifu, Ælthelgifu/Eadgifu, Godgyfu/Godiva, Ottogeba, Thialgif, Willigip hypocorisms Gabilo, Gibilin, Gebi, Gabo, Gibicho, etc. gisil, gisel hostage, pledge Y Giselbert, Giselric, Giselhard; Giselberga Hypocorism Gisela, cf. Giselle glis gleam Y Glismot, Glisnot god, got god; good Y Godfrid/Godfrey, Godscalc, Gothard, Gotwald In most cases, the etymologies guda "deus" and goda "bonus" cannot be distinguished with certainty, while in older continental names this is often an alternative form of Gund graus horror, terror Y Crosmuat (8th century), Grausolph (9th century) simplex Grauso, Chroso, Cros, Kros, etc.; graw, gra grey Y Graobart, Grahilt (8th century), Graman (8th century), Graulf (8th century) grim helmet, mask Y Y Grimwald, Grimoald, Grimhild/Krimhild/Kriemhild; Isegrim/Isengrim guma man Y Gomadrudis, Gomoharius, Gomahilt, Gomaleih, Gomlinda, Gumemar, Gumarich, Gumesind, Gumoalt, Gomolf *gunþ-; gund, gud, gyþ, gyð battle, war Y Y Günther/Gunther/Gunter/Guntar/Gundar, Gundoald, Gundulf, Gunnhild, Gudrun; Eadgyth/Edith, Ealdgyð, Fredegund/Frithugyth, Sigith/Sigesgundia, Hildegund/Hildegunn, Rigunth hag(i, o), hagan; hah enclosure, yard Y Hagibert, Hagihar, Hachirat, Hagoald, Hagiwolf; Hahger, Hahmund, Hahwart, Haholf Attested from the 7th century in forms such as Hago, Chaino etc. From an early time conflated with names in Ag-, Agin-. See also Haguna. haid, heit rank, state Y Y Haidrich, Heidfolc, Chaideruna; Adelaide etc. Extremely frequent as second element in feminine names (83 listed by Förstemann), apparently due to early confusion with similar words for heath. hail, heil; hailag whole, healthy Y Y Hailbert, Hailun, Hailburch, Hailtruda, Heilan, Heilmunt, Hailrat, Hailwin; Halagmund, Halegred; Rihheil, Sarahailo Hailo, Halicho (8th century); conflated with the elements agil and hal. *haim-; OHG haim, heim, AS hæm home Y Henry/Heinrich, Heimwart hypocorism Haimo haist, heist furious, violent(?) Y Haisthilt, Haistulf, Hailun cf. Old English hæst; also compared with the tribal name of the Aesti. hamar hammer Y Hamerard, Hamarolf, Hamarbert Rare; limited to a handful of names of the 8th century. hand, hant hand(?) Y Hantbert, Hantker, Handegis, Hantwin, Handolf Rare, 8th and 9th centuries. harc altar(?) Y Harcmot, Hercrat, Harchellindis (f.), Horcholt rare, 9th and 10th centuries; cf. the entries under ercan. hart, hard, heard brave, hardy, strong, heavy Y Y Hartman, Hartmut (etc.); Æthelhard, Richard, Gerhard, Gotthard, Bernard/Bernhard (etc.) Very frequent, recorded from as early as the 3rd century. *hari, her army Y Y Diether, Luther, Haraldr/Hereweald/Harold, Herbert, Herleif, Herman/Arminius, Ariovistus, Ariouualdus, Ælfhere/Alfarr/Alfheri, Hereric, Wulfhere, Herebeald, Eanhere, Oshere, Hermóðr/Heremod/Herimout, Herbrandr, Ívarr, Yngvarr/Ingvarr, Hloþhere, Æþelhere, Walter hypocorism Harry, Heri(?). Very frequent, Förstemann lists 289 names with -hari as second element. As first element recorded as early as the 1st century (in Chariovalda), or possibly in the 1st century BC (Negau helmet B, Harigasti) hath, had, hada, hadu battle, combat Y Y Hadubrand, Hadufuns, Hedwig; Rihhad, Willihad, Wolfhad, Vunnihad Frequent, from the 6th century, formally indistinguishable from haid. hedan, haidan heathen, pagan Y Y Hedenold, Hedenulf; Wolfhetan rare; 7th to 9th centuries. helm protector Y Y Helmut, Helmdrud, Helmfrid; Diethelm, Ealhhelm, Anselm, Cwichelm, Nothhelm, Wilhelm/William Hypocorism Helmo. Comparatively frequent from the 6th century. heah, hoch high Y Heaberht, Hámundr cf. Huoching/Haki hild- war Y Y Actohildis, Berhildis, Branthildis, Brunhild, Clotilde, Farohildis, Ermenhild/Imelda, Gauthildis/Gauthildr, Gerhild, Gibohildis, Grimhild/Krimhild/Kriemhild, Griselda, Gunnhild, Matilda, Judelhildis, Landohildis, Nanthild, Richilda, Wanthildis; Childebert, Hildebrand, Hildegard, Hildegund/Hildegunn (etc.) One of the most frequently used stems both as prefix and as suffix, attested since the 3rd century. Among the Franks its use especially for feminine names is "almost excessive" according to Förstemann, who counts 281 names with this suffix, of which only four are masculine. Hypocorism Hilda. hilp, help aid, help Y — Chilperic, Helpoald, Helpuin, Helpwolf rare; Chilperic is from the 5th century, other names with this element occur only in the 8th and 9th centuries. *heltą, hilt, hilz, helz hilt Y —[22] Hilcekin, Helzuni, Helzolt rare; 8th to 11th centuries himil heaven Y Himildrud, Himilger, Himilrad rare, 8th to 10th centuries. hir-/heru sword Y Hiring, Hiribert, Hirburc, Hiriger, Hiriward 9th century; Gothic hairus, Anglo-Saxon heoro- "sword", also in the tribal name of the Cherusci. hiruz, hiriz, herz hart, stag Y Hirizpero, Herzrad(?); dim. Hirzula rare hleo protection Y Hleoperht, Hlevagastir hlud, hloda fame Y Clotilde, Clovis/Chlodwig/Ludwig/Louis, Hlothhere, Ludolf, Lothar/Chlothar/Lothaire, Chlodomir; Chlodoswintha hog, huog dexterous, nimble(?) Y Huogobert, Huoging, Huogulf, Hogo hol crafty, devious(?) Y Holebert, Holomot, Holemund, Holosint hord, hort hoard, treasure Y Hortbert, Horthari, Hordold, Hordward, Horduin, Hordolf hraban, hram raven Y Y Bertram, Wolfram frequent in the 7th to 9th centuries; surely from the ravens of Wodanaz originally (as was wulf-). Förestemann counts 125 masculine and 15 feminine with this suffix. The simplex Hraban (and variants) is recorded from the 6th century. The Gothic name Valarauans if it contains this root would be the oldest record of the element (4th century). hrad quick, fast Y (?)[23] Hradperaht, Hradpurh, Hradgast, Hrathari, Hradwin hraid, hreid famous(?) Y Hreiðmarr, Hreidperaht, Hreidgaer, Hreitolf, Hraidmund/Raymond also in the name of the Hreiðgoths. hring, ring ring Y (?)[24] Hringuni, Rhincbold, Ringhelm, Hringweald, Hringolf Förstemann 1900:877 suggests that the "ring" element in origin refers to ring-mail hroc, roc rook (bird) Y Y Ferderuchus, Unhroch, Wolfhroc; Rocbert, Hrohhart, Hrocculf, Ruocswint, Berthroc Förstemann 1900:878f. surmises an early conflation of two elements (1) hrauc "roar, bellow, (battle-)cry" and (2) rōc "care, circumspection", and both were further conflated with hrōþ- as first element, and with -rih as second. As a second element since the 5th century. Crocus, the 4th-century king of the Alamanni, presumably had a name formed from this element, as did Rocco bishop of Autun (7th century) and Rocho bishop of Bourges (8th century). hrom, hruom, rom glory, fame Y — Ruombald/Rumbold/Rombout, Rumbert, Ruumker, Hrumheri, Ruomlind, Romuald, Romulf since the 5th century; hypocorisms Ruom, Roma, Rumo. Förstemann 1900:883 *hrōþ-; hruot fame, glory, honour[25] Y Y Rotilde, Hrothgar/Roger/Rüdiger, Hrodberht/Rupert/Robert, Hrodulf/Rudolph, Roderick/Rodrigo, Roland, Rodney, Roald; Adalrod, Fridarut, Hartrod, Liutrod, Sigirod 8th century; hypocorisms Chrodius, Hrodo, Hrodio, Hroda; Förstemann 1900:883 hug(o, i), hyg spirit, courage Y ( Y) Hugibald/Ubaldo, Hygelac/Hyglac, Hugubert/Hubert, Hugibrant, Hucger, Hugilind; Adalhug, Kerhuge hypocorisms Hugh, Hugo hun, hum swelling; chip, block; offspring, (bear) cub; warrior Y Y Hunferthus, Humboldt, Hunbeorht/Humbert; Andhun, Berthun; Ælfhun cf. Hun of East Anglia ing a god Y Inga, Ingeborg, Inger, Ingvar/Igor, Ingrid, Ingemar/Ingmar irm(en), erm(en) strong, whole Y Eormenred, Ermenrich/Hermeric/Emmerich/Emery/Amerigo; Ermendrud/Ermintrude/Irmtrud, Ermenfrid, Ermengarde/Ermegard/Irmgard, Ermengild/Hermenegild, Ermenhild/Imelda possibly theophoric, see Irminsul; hypocorisms Irma, Armin, Emma ise(n) iron Y Y Isebert/Isebrecht, Isegrim/Isegrimm/Isengrim, Isenhart, IJsbrand Isegrim may in origin have been a kenning for "wolf". jut- a tribal name Y Judida, Judinga, Jutcar, Judilidis, Jutrad, Joduin, Judelhildis probably from the name of the Juthungi or the Jutes jung young Y Jungarat, Jungericus, Jungulf, Jugenprand 8th to 10th century, rare (used more rarely than ald- "old") karl, carl, ceorl free (about man) Y Y Carlofred, Carlman; Altcarl, Gundecarl rare; possibly extensions from the simplex. *kōni-; cen, coen fierce, keen Y Conrad/Konrad, Cynric, Coenwulf *kun(n)i-, OHG kuni, chun, also chim, chin, chind; AS cyne royal, of a king; kin, offspring, child Y Kunibert, Kunimund, Cynewulf, Kunigunde, Cynegyth, Cynethryth, Cyneric, Chindasuinth, Adelchind, Drudchind, Widukind, Willekind hypocorism Kuno, Chintila *kunþ-; cuþ renowned Y Cuthbert, Cuthred, Cuthwulf kwik-; cwic alive, lively Y Cwichelm laik play, dance Y Y Ekkileich, Albleih, Amalleih, Ásleikr/Oslac, Audolecus, Perlaicus, Perahteih, Chinileihc, Dagaleich, Fridileih, Frotalaicus, Folcleih, Gozleih, Gundelaicus, Halulec, Hildelaicus, Hugilaih/Hyglac, Isanleih, Mathlec, Radleic, Sigelac, Wadelaicus, Walalaicho, Waldleich, Werinleih, Widolaic, Willileih, Winileih, Wolfleiga, Zitleich possibly as first element in Leikert, Leuckart; Laigobert laif, laf, leib survivor, heir (Y) Y Eggileib, Albleib, Olaf, Oslef, Athulef, Adalleib, Otleib, Berahtleib, Dagalaif, Danleib, Dotleib, Truhtleib, Edilef, Fridaleib, Folkleib, Guntaleiba, Hartleib, Haduleif, Herleif, Hiltileip, Hordleif, Hunleib, Isanleib, Mahtleip, Nordleip, Ortlaip, Ratleib, Reginleib, Richleib, Sileif, Starcleib, Thiotleip, Wiglaf, Wineleib, Wolleip, Wulfleip, Wunnileif, Zehaleip; Leibuni/Leiboin, Leibher, Leibhilt, Leibrat, Leibwart the probable original meaning "heir of" suggests that this element at first appeared only as second element; it was from an early time it conflated with liub "dear". In Old Norse also used as a simplex, Leifr "heir". laith dangerous, hostile Y Y Ansleth, Wolfleit; Leitbraht, Leitfrid, Leither, Leidmuot, Laidarat, Laidoin, Laidulf rare land, lant land Y Y Acland, Ingaland, Oslant, Osterlant, Auilant, Perelant, Perahtland, Cululant, Thruadland, Frotland, Gerland, Gotlanda, Grimland, Gundoland, Artaland, Hasland, Hiltiland, Hrodlant, Itislant, Inlant, Ermoland/Hermenland, Madoland, Meginland, Odallant, Ratland, Roland, Landon, Gagentland, Ricland, Sigilant, Wariland, Wiclant, Vulfland; Landolin, Landbold, Lambert/Landberta, Lampert, Landeberga, Lamprand, Lantbodo, Landfrid, Lampfrid, Landagar, Landegaus, Landgrim, Landegunda, Lantheida, Landohard, Lanthar, Landohildis, Landerich, Landswinda, Landoald, Landwih, Landuin, Landulf Name by place of residence, origin, birth laug bride(?) Y Alblaug/Alflaug, Adallouc/Aðallaug, Ólaug, Árlaug, Arnlaug, Áslaug, Perahtlouc, Eyðleyg/Edlaug, Droplaug, Dýrlaug, Ellaug, Ercanloug, Fastlaug, FInnlaug, Fridlaug, Grímlaug, Gerlaug, Gundlauc/Gunnlaug, Heiðlaug, Hiltilauc, Hrafnlaug, Íslaug, Jerlaug, Kristlaug, Ratlauga, Róslaug, Sigilouc/Siglaug, Sollaug, Sturlaug, Swanaloug/Svanlaug, Sveinlaug, Týlaugr, Triulaug, Vélaug, Wiglauh/Víglaugr, Þórlaug, Þraslaug only as a suffix in feminine names; the suffix is presumably from a root *lug "to celebrate marriage; to be dedicated, promised (in marriage)"[26] leon lion Y Leonard lind soft, mild, alternatively "shield" (made of linden tree) in ON, OHG and OE) (Y) Y Gislinde, Heidelinde, (H)Ermelinda, Kristlind, Odelinde, Siglind/Sieglinde, Theodolinda, Þórlindur; Linddís, Lindolf, Lindvald, Lindvardh, Linveig very frequent as a second element in feminine names liub, leof loved, beloved, dear Y Leofric, Leofwine, Leofwynn, Leofgyth liut(i) people Y Liutger/Leodegar, Luther, Lutold; Liutgard, Leudwinus/Liutwin, Luitpold/Leopold, Liutprand magan, megin; maht might, strength Y Maganradus/Meinrad; Mathilde, Meinfrida, Meinhard man, mann man, person Y Y Manfred, Herman, German, Norman *mēri-; mære, mer, mar, mir famous Y Y Adelmar, Chlodomir, Marwig, Miro, Filimer/Filimir, Hreiðmarr, Odomir/Otmar/Ottomar/Othmar/Ademar, Dietmar, Agilmar/Ilmar/Elmar, Ricimer, Richimir, Theodemir, Theodemar, Thiudimer, Sigmar, Ingemar/Ingmar, Valamir, Waldemar/Vladimir, Wilmer, Vidimir/Widemir, Wulfmar/Wulfomir mund, mond protection Y Edmund, Erlemund, Kunimund, Sigmund, Rechimund, Reginmund/Raymond, Remismund, Normund niw, niwi, niu, nia new Y Y Adalniu, Baudonivia, Dagný, Folcniu, Nibumir, Nivulf, Niwirat, Niwirich, Odalniu, Signý/Sigeneow, Teudonivia noþ, OHG nand[27] courage Y Y Nanthild, Notburga, Nothhelm; Byrhtnoth, Eadnoth, Ferdinand, Folcnand, Wieland/Wayland nord, nor, ON norðr north Y Norman, Normund, Norbert also in use as the first element in Norway ræð counsel, wisdom Y Y Radegast, Radwig, Radulf; Alfred, Eadred, Conrad, Tancred, Wihtred; Ratberga/Redburga ragin, regin counsel Y Raginald/Reginald/Reynold/Reinhold/Reynhold/Ronald, Reginbert, Reginmund/Raymond; Regintrud, Rægenhere, Ragnar *remez, remis peace Y Remisto, Remismund run rune, secret Y Gudrun, Walaruna rīki-; OHG rihhi, AS rīc, rech ruler Y Y Rigobert, Alaric, Ælfric, Beorthric, Brunric, Theodoric/Dietrich, Friedrich/Frederick, Richard, Richardis, Rictrude, Richilda, Rechila, Rechiar, Rechimund, Richimir, Rickstan, Eboric, Ulrich, Haidrich/Heidrich, Leofric, Wulfric, Roderick, Sigeric, Sedrick, Cedric, Chilperic, Theodoric, Henry/Heinrich, Eric, Godric sax, seax seax; a tribal name Y Sexred; Seaxburh sinþ, sind, siþ travel, time Y Y Sindolf/Sindulf, Sindram, Sindbald, Sindbert; Adalsinda Sinthgunt as "Sun's sister" in the Merseburg Incantations sig, sigi, sige, sieg, sigin victory Y Y Sigborg/Siborg, Sigebald/Sibbald/Sibold/Sinibaldo, Sigbod/Sibot, Sigibert/Sigebert, Sibrand, Sigmar, Sigmund, Sighart/Sicard, Sighelm, Sigher/Siger/Sighere, Sigrad/Sigered, Sigeric, Sigtrygg, Sigward/Siward, Sigfrid/Siegfried, Sigith/Sigesgundia, Sigvald, Sigwald/Siwald, Sigulf/Sigewulf/Siconulf; Ælfsige;[11] Sigelinde/Siglind, Sigtrud possibly theophoric in origin, in reference to Teiwaz, and later Odin, the god of victory.[28] Hypocorisms Sigo, Sike, Sikke. stan, sten stone Y Æthelstan, Thorsten, Wulfstan, Bertstan, Rickstan also in simplex Sten, from Scandinavian Steinn swint, swiþ strength Y Y Swithwulf, Swinthibald; Amalaswintha, Ealhswith; Swinthila tank thought, counsel Y Tancred/Dancrad, Dancmar, Tammaro trygg truth Y Sigtrygg wand, wandal wander, wend Y Wandefrid, Wandedrudis (f.), Vandebercth (7th century), Wandemar, Wandarich, Wendulf, Wanthildis (f., 9th century); Wandalbold (8th century), Wandalbert (7th-9th centuries), Wandalburgis (f., 10th-11th centuries), Wendilger (Old Saxon/Dutch) in the names of the Vandals, Wends and Aurvandil weald, wald, walt, wold / valdr power, ruling, governance / ruler Y Y Waldemar/Vladimir, Walther; Edwald, Ewald, Frithuwold, Harold, Sigwald/Siwald, Gerald, Gundoald, Waldwolf/Waldolf, Oswald/Ansaldo, Raginald/Reginald/Reynold/Reynhold/Reinhold/Ronald, Roald, Sigvald, Walfrid/Walfried warin; weard guardian Y Y Warinhari/Wernher/Werner; Brunward, Edward, Sigward; Freawaru, Ælfwaru wiht wight, spirit Y Wihtred wil(l) will, desire Y Wilhelm/William, Wilmer, Wilfred, Wilbert, Willihad, Willigip win, wini, wine friend Y Y Winibald, Winimund, Winibert; Ælfwine/Alboin, Alcuin, Aldoin, Baldwin, Darwin, Ecgwine, Edwin/Audoin, Erlwin, Erwin, Gerwin, Goswin, Leofwine, Oswin wig battle, war Y Y Wiglaf, Wigbert, Wigheard/Wighard; Clovis/Chlodwig/Ludwig/Louis, Hedwig, Marwig wal(a), wel, wæl battle Y Wieland/Wayland,[29] Walaman, Walarad, Walerand, Walaruna, Walesinda, Wala-anc, Walahelm, Walaram/Waleran hypocoristic Wallia, Walica. cf. Valhalla, Valkyrie, Valföðr etc. wod fury, mad (?) Y Wodilhilt (f.), Wodalgarta (f.), Wodilbalt (a. 969), Wodalbert (a. 773), Wodelfrid (a. 912), Wodilulf (11th century), Vudamot (a. 821) because of the close association with Wodanaz, these names are rare already in the OHG period, and fall out of use entirely during the High Middle Ages. Some hypocorisms such as Wote (a. 784), Woda (f., 8th century), Wodal (a. 889), Wode, Wodtke, may derive from this element. Wotan is recorded as a given name in the early 9th century.[30] Association of most of these names with wod "fury" is uncertain, as there are the homophonic but unrelated roots of OHG watan "to wade" and wat "garment".[31] wid(u), wit, with wood, forest Y Withhold, Widukind hypocorism Guido, Guy wulf, wolf wolf Y Y Aethelwulf/Adolf, Arnulf, Atenulf, Beowulf, Brunulf/Brynolf/Brunolf/Brynjolfr/Brunulphe, Cuthwulf, Cynewulf, Eadwulf, Ealdwulf/Aldwulf, Eardwulf, Ernulf, Gangolf, Gundulf, Pandulf, Swithwulf, Rudolph; Wulfstan, Wolfgang, Wolfram, Wulf (etc.) Especially as second element, -ulf, -olf is extremely common. Förstemann explains this as originally motivated by the wolf as an animal sacred to Wodanaz, but notes that the large number of names indicates that the element had become a meaningless suffix of male names at an early time. Förstemann counts 381 names in -ulf, -olf, among which only four are feminine. See also Offa (name) wyn(n) joy Y Y Wynflæd; Ælfwynn, Ecgwynn, Brihtwyn þeod people Y Theodoric/Dietrich/Derick/Dirk, Detlef, Diether, Diethelm, Theobald, Dietfried, Theudebert, Theodemar; Dietlinde *þegnaz, degen warrior, thane Y Y Degenhard, Degericus; Deitdegen, Edildegan, Drûtdegan, Heridegan, Swertdegan, Volcdegen *þinga, þing thing, concern Y Þingfriþ þras quarrelling, bickering Y Thrassald, Þrassar þryþ, OH þrúðr, OE þrȳð,[32] drut, trud, thrud, thryth force, strength Y Y Drutmund; Æthelthryth, Osthryth, Cynethryth, Ermintrude, Gertrude, Bertrude, Rictrude, Sæthryth, Waltrud/Waltraut Names with this suffix are feminine only; Þrúðr is a daughter of Thor in Norse mythology. Short form Trudy, Trudi þonar, donar, þór (the god of) thunder Y (rare) Donarperht (9th century), Donarad (8th century), Þórarin, Þórhall, Þórkell, Þórfinnr, Þórvald, Þórvarðr, Þórgeir, Þórsteinn (9th century), Thunerulf/Þórolf; Albthonar (8th century) These names appear from the 8th or 9th century; popular in Scandinavia during the 10th to 11th centuries. Förstemann 1199. þurs, Thuris, Turis giant Y Thusnelda (1st century; presumably for *Thurishilda), Thurismund (6th century), Thurisind (6th century), Turisulfus an archaic element in names of the migration period, extinct during the medieval period. Förstemann 1200.

## Monothematic names

Some medieval Germanic names are attested in simplex form. Some of these names originated as [hypocorisms](/source/Hypocorism) of full dithematic names, but in some cases they entered common usage and were no longer perceived as such.[33]: 93–124 Examples include[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- Masculine: Aldo (whence English Aldous), [Adel](/source/Adel_(name)), Anso/Anzo/Enzo, Folki/Folke/Fulco, Gero, Helmo/Elmo, Ise/Iso, Kuno, Lanzo, Manno, Odo/[Otto](/source/Otto), Rocco, [Sten](/source/Sten_(name)), Waldo, Warin, Wido, Wine, Wolf/Wulf

- Feminine: [Adele](/source/Adele_(given_name)), Alda, [Bertha](/source/Bertha), [Emma](/source/Emma_(given_name)), [Hilda](/source/Hilda_(name)), Ida, Isa, [Linda](/source/Linda_(name)), Oda

A major study of medieval Germanic monothematic names was undertaken by Van Loon,[34] who (as translated and summarised by Ian Shiels) suggested the following types:[33]: 95–96

1. "Bare" names: a single word otherwise found in dithematic names (such as Old English *Wig*).

1. Unique names of unknown etymology (e.g. Old English *[Penda](/source/Penda_of_Mercia)*).

1. By-names (additional names that accompany a forename, potentially [appellatives](/source/Appellative)) (e.g. Old English [*Hengest* and *Horsa*](/source/Hengist_and_Horsa), both meaning "horse"). Other examples may include Old English Æsc "ash tree", [Carl](/source/Carl_(name)) "free man" ([Charles](/source/Charles)), [Hengest](/source/Hengest) "stallion", Raban "raven" ([Rabanus Maurus](/source/Rabanus_Maurus)), Hagano/[Hagen](/source/Hagen) "enclosure", [Earnest](/source/Ernest) "vigorous, resolute".[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

1. [Theonyms](/source/Theonym) (names of gods, e.g. *Woden*).

1. Names of legendary or mythical founders of peoples or dynasties (e.g. Ostrogothic *Amal*).

1. Names derived from a single name-element, transferred to the [weak declension](/source/Weak_noun), sometimes with associated vowel-changes in the root-word (e.g. Old German *Betto*, from the *Bert*- element of *Bertramnus*).

1. Names derived from a dithematic name, contracted, and transferred to the weak declension (e.g. Old German *Tammo*, from *Tancmarus*).

1. Names derived from a single name-element or from a contracted dithematic name, with the addition of a suffix.

1. "Head-and-tail" contractions of dithematic names (e.g. Old Norse *[Gormr](/source/Gorm_the_Old)* from—in Van Loon's view—*goð* + *ormr*).

### Hypocoristic names

The processes whereby dithematic or monothematic names became hypocorisms (nicknames or pet names) were not, as of the beginning of the twenty-first century, well understood. But twenty-first-century research made some progress: Kendra Willson undertook a detailed study of Icelandic hypocorism,[35] while Ian Shiels built on her work and Van Loon's to "suggest the outline [...] of an alternative approach to hypocorism [...] as a rule-based system of generative and transformational processes applied to dithematic names."[33]: 93–124

Some hypocorisms, called "head-and-tail" types by Van Loon, retain a remnant of their second element. Late medieval Flemish/Dutch examples cited by him include *[Arnoud](/source/Arnout)* > *Arend*/*Ært*; *[Bernard](/source/Bernard)* > *[Bernd](/source/Bernd)*; *Cunrad* > *[Kurt](/source/Kurt)*; *[Diederik](/source/Diederik)* > *[Dirk](/source/Dirk_(name))*; *[Gerard](/source/Gerard)* > *[Geert](/source/Geert)*; *[Everhard](/source/Everhard)* > *[Evert](/source/Evert)*; and *[Wilhelm](/source/Wilhelm_(name))* > *[Willem](/source/Willem)*.[34]: 260[33]: 116 Whereas Loon doubted that this pattern existed in the early Germanic languages, Ian Shiels has argued that it is found in early Old Norse and Old English naming.[33]: 116–123

Sometimes the second element is so reduced that it cannot be identified unambiguously any longer: *Curt*/*Kurt* may abbreviate either *Conrad* or *Cunibert*.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Bynames

Germanic names often feature a range of bynames: additional names that accompany a 'forename'. These can be toponymic (locational), occupational, genealogical, or 'nicknames'.[36]

## Uncertain etymology

- [Gustav](/source/Gustav_(name)) has been interpreted by e.g. Elof Hellquist (1864 - 1939) Swedish linguist specialist in North Germanic languages as *gauta-stabaz* (gauta-stabaR) "staff of the [Goths](/source/Goths)"

- Old English Pǣga (unknown meaning)

- [Waldo](/source/Waldo_(given_name)) from Old English *Waltheof* (unknown meaning)

- [Pepin](/source/Pippin_(name))

- [Morcar](/source/Morcar)

- [Zotto](/source/Zotto)

- [Cleph](/source/Cleph)

- [Pemmo](/source/Pemmo_of_Friuli)

## See also

- [Dutch name](/source/Dutch_name)

- [German name](/source/German_name)

- [German family name etymology](/source/German_family_name_etymology)

- [Scandinavian family name etymology](/source/Scandinavian_family_name_etymology)

- [Germanic placename etymology](/source/Germanic_placename_etymology) - [German placename etymology](/source/German_placename_etymology) - [List of generic forms in British place names](/source/List_of_generic_forms_in_British_place_names)

- [List of names of Odin](/source/List_of_names_of_Odin)

- [Slavic names](/source/Slavic_names)

- [Germanic personal names in Galicia](/source/Germanic_personal_names_in_Galicia)

- [Germanic names in Italy](/source/Germanic_names_in_Italy)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-albris-2020_1-0)** Albris, Sofie Laurine (2020). ["Animal art and personal names in Iron Age Scandinavia: Different media – corresponding cultural codes?"](https://onomajournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Onoma-55-1.04-Albris-final-web-August.pdf) (PDF). *Onoma*. **55**: 77–97 (pp 80–81). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.34158/ONOMA.55/2020/5](https://doi.org/10.34158%2FONOMA.55%2F2020%2F5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-wila_2-0)** [Willy van Langendonck](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Willy_van_Langendonck&action=edit&redlink=1) [[nl](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_van_Langendonck)], [*Theory and Typology of Proper Names*](https://books.google.com/books?id=B7jOGz7zMnwC&pg=PA83). Walter de Gruyter. 2007. pp. 83–. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-11-019086-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-11-019086-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** e.g. the names of kings [Penda](/source/Penda), [Pybba](/source/Pybba), [Offa](/source/Offa_of_Essex), [Wuffa](/source/Wuffa_of_East_Anglia), and [Sebbi](/source/S%C3%A6bbi_of_Essex), all Anglo-Saxons born in the 6th or 7th centuries

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** The oldest attested Germanic name may be *Harigast*, written *harikast* in the [Negau helmet](/source/Negau_helmet) inscription, but there are dissenting minority opinions.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Gothic or pseudo-Gothic names also constitute most of the personal names in use in the Christian successor states of the [Visigothic kingdom](/source/Visigothic_kingdom) in the [Iberian peninsula](/source/Iberian_peninsula) during High Middle Ages; cf. [Boullón Agrelo, Ana Isabel](/source/Ana_Isabel_Boull%C3%B3n_Agrelo) (1999). *Antroponomia medieval galega (ss. VIII - XII)*. Tübingen: Niemeyer. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-484-55512-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-484-55512-9). and Förstemann, Ernst (1900). [*Altdeutsches Namenbuch*](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305094219/http://sul-derivatives.stanford.edu/derivative?CSNID=00003871&mediaType=application%2Fpdf) (3 ed.). Bonn: P. Hanstein. Archived from [the original](http://sul-derivatives.stanford.edu/derivative?CSNID=00003871&mediaType=application/pdf) on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2022-04-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["ank-1"](http://indo-european.info/pokorny-etymological-dictionary/ank-1.htm). *indo-european.info*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** cf. OE *[ehtan](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ehtan)*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["agh-"](http://indo-european.info/pokorny-etymological-dictionary/agh.htm). *indo-european.info*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** names terminating in *-ald* are from *-wald*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Vestralpus](/source/Vestralpus), the name of an Alamannic king, may be a rare instance of this element occurring in the second part of a name.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-aelsinus_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-aelsinus_11-1) attested as latinized [Ælsinus](/source/%C3%86lsinus)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** perhaps reduced from Ælfgifu, or Ælthelgifu.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** the name [Oscar](/source/Oscar_(given_name)) is an unrelated name of Irish origin meaning "deer-friend"

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** this name survives in corrupted form in the given name [Axel](/source/Axel_(name)) and in the surnames Aslock, Hasluck

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** some possible rare exceptions, such as Fulcarb.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** often conflated with Latin Pilgrim, Peregrinus

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** perhaps as a suffix in certain names latinized as *-domus*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** cf. Old English *eorcnan-stan* "precious stone, gem". [Pokorny (1959)](/source/IEW) tentatively grouped the word with [PIE](/source/PIE_root) **arǵ-* "glittering, shining", whence Latin *argentum* "silver"), but Gothic *ark-* may also represent an early loan from Greek ἀρχι- ("[arch-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/arch-)", cf. Ulfilan Gothic *arkaggilus* for *[archangelus](/source/Archangel)*). Formerly (Diefenbach 1851) also compared to Sanskrit *arh-* "to be worthy".

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** *[Erchtag](/source/Ear_(rune))* was a name of Tuesday in Bavarian dialect; see Grimm, *[Deutsche Mythologie](/source/Deutsche_Mythologie)*, 113; 182—185.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ferdinand_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ferdinand_20-1) apparently a Gothic name; perhaps from *fardi* "travel" (Förstemann, 401), perhaps also from *frithu* "protection".

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_21-1) Okasha, Elisabeth (2016-12-05). [*Women's Names in Old English*](https://books.google.com/books?id=jQKoDQAAQBAJ&q=fri%C3%BE). Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781351871211](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781351871211).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** perhaps conflated with *hild-* from an early time.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** names with this second element have been conflated with names in *-rad*. Förstemann 1900:875.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** names with this second element are uncertain, most of the candidates could contain the simple suffix *-ing*. Förstemann 1900:877.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["HROD - Nordic Names"](https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/HROD).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Lena Peterson *Nordiskt runnamnslexikon* (2002)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** cognate to Old Irish *néit* "combat", see [Pokorny (1959)](/source/Pokorny_(1959)), p. 755.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Yonge, p. 306.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** see Hellmut Rosenfeld (1969). *Der Name Wieland*. Beiträge zur Namenforschung.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Förstemann, 1332f.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Förstemann, 1224.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["ÞRUÐ - Nordic Names Wiki - Name Origin, Meaning and Statistics"](https://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/%C3%9ERU%C3%90). *www.nordicnames.de*. Retrieved 2017-01-31.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_33-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_33-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:1_33-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:1_33-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:1_33-4) Shiels, Ian (August 2025). [*The matter of Englaland: the story of Offa of Angel, and the narrative world of Widsith*](https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/38470/) (phd thesis). University of Leeds.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_34-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_34-1) Jozef van Loon, *Antroponymie van Noordwest-Europa tot de twaalfde eeuw. Deel I: Vorm en betekenis van de namen*, Koninklijke Commissie voor Toponymie & Dialectologie: Werken van de Vlaamse Afdeling, 31 (Peeters: Leuven, 2021).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Willson 2007, Kendra Jean Willson, Icelandic Nicknames, unpublished Ph.D. dissertation (University of California, Berkeley, 2007).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** Alphey, T. K. (2023). ["The Definite Article in Old English 'Nicknames'"](https://academic.oup.com/nq/advance-article/doi/10.1093/notesj/gjad103/7416360?searchresult=1). *Notes & Queries*. **70** (4): 223–224. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/notesj/gjad103](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fnotesj%2Fgjad103).

## Reference bibliography

- Colman, Fran (2014). *The Grammar of Names in Anglo-Saxon England: The Linguistics and Culture of the Old English Onomasticon*. Oxford linguistics. Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780198701675](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780198701675).

- Olof von Feilitzen, *The Pre-conquest Personal Names of Domesday Book* (1937).

- E. Förstemann, *Altdeutsches Namenbuch* (1856; [online facsimile](https://archive.org/stream/altdeutschesnam00frgoog))

- Förstemann, Ernst (1900). [*Altdeutsches Namenbuch*](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305094219/http://sul-derivatives.stanford.edu/derivative?CSNID=00003871&mediaType=application%2Fpdf) (3 ed.). Bonn: P. Hanstein. Archived from [the original](http://sul-derivatives.stanford.edu/derivative?CSNID=00003871&mediaType=application/pdf) on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2022-04-02.

- Lena Peterson, *Nordiskt runnamnslexikon*, [4th ed. (2002)](https://web.archive.org/web/20110225031159/http://www.sofi.se/servlet/GetDoc?meta_id=1472); 5th ed. (2007).

- P. R. Kitson, (2002). How Anglo-Saxon personal names work. Nomina, 24, 93.

- F. C. Robinson, (1968). The significance of names in old English literature. [Anglia](/source/Anglia_(journal)), 86, 14–58.

- Justus Georg Schottel, *De nominibus veterum Germanorum*, in: *Ausführliche Arbeit Von der Teutschen Haubt-Sprache*, Zilliger (1663), book 5, chapter 2, pp. 1029–1098.[\[1\]](https://books.google.com/books?id=-JVEAAAAcAAJ)

- Franz Stark, *Die Kosenamen der Germanen: eine Studie: mit drei Excursen: 1. Über Zunamen; 2. Über den Ursprung der zusammengesetzten Namen; 3. Über besondere friesische Namensformen und Verkürzungen*, 1868.

- Friedrich Wilhelm Viehbeck, *Die Namen der Alten teutschen: als Bilder ihres sittlichen und bürgerlichen Lebens* (1818; [online facsimile](https://archive.org/details/dienamenderalte00viehgoog))

- H. B. Woolf, (1939). The old Germanic principles of name-giving. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

- H. C. Wyld, (1910). Old Scandinavian personal names in England. Modern Language Review, 5, 289–296.

- Charlotte Mary Yonge, *History of Christian names*, vol. 2, Parker and Bourn, 1863.

- Schönfeld, Moritz (1911). [*Wörterbuch der altgermanischen Personen- und Völkernamen*](https://archive.org/details/wrterbuchderal00scho). Heidelberg: C. Winter.

## External links

English [Wikisource](/source/Wikisource) has original text related to this article:

**[Beowulf/List of Names](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/en:Beowulf/List_of_Names)**

Look up ***[Appendix:Old English (Anglo-Saxon) surnames](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Old_English_(Anglo-Saxon)_surnames)*** in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

- [Germanic names](http://www.behindthename.com/glossary/view.php?title=germanic_names) (behindthename.com)

- [Ancient Germanic names](http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/ger-anci.php) (behindthename.com)

- [Gothic and Suevic Names in Galicia (NW Spain) before 1200](http://www.celtiberia.net/articulo.asp?id=1670) (celtiberia.net)

- [Nordic Names: Name Elements](http://www.nordicnames.de/wiki/Category:Name_Elements) (nordicnames.de)

- [Ancient Germanic Names](http://kurufin.ru/html/germanic.html) (kurufin.ru, in Russian)

v t e Germanic peoples Ethnolinguistic group of Northern European origin primarily identified as speakers of Germanic languages History Nordic Bronze Age Germania Pre-Roman Iron Age Roman Iron Age Romano-Germanic culture Germanic Iron Age Viking Age Early culture Architecture Art Calendar Clothing Family Festivals Folklore Proto-Germanic folklore Anglo-Saxon mythology Continental Germanic mythology Norse mythology) Funerary practices Anglo-Saxon Norse Law Anglo-Saxon Norse Literature Anglo-Saxon Norse Names Gothic Numbers Paganism Anglo-Saxon Gothic Norse Rings Scripts Gothic alphabet Runes Sippe Symbology Warfare Anglo-Saxon Gothic and Vandal Viking Languages Proto-Germanic language East Germanic languages North Germanic languages West Germanic languages Groups Alemanni Brisgavi Bucinobantes Lentienses Raetovari Adrabaecampi Angles Anglo-Saxons Ambrones Ampsivarii Angrivarii Armalausi Auiones Avarpi Baemi Baiuvarii Banochaemae Bastarnae Batavi Belgae Germani cisrhenani Atuatuci Caeroesi Condrusi Eburones Paemani Segni Morini Nervii Bateinoi Betasii Brondings Bructeri Burgundians Buri Cananefates Caritni Casuari Chaedini Chaemae Chamavi Chali Charudes Chasuarii Chattuarii Chatti Chauci Cherusci Cimbri Cobandi Corconti Cugerni Danes Dauciones Dulgubnii Favonae Firaesi Fosi Franks Ripuarian Franks Salian Franks Frisiavones Frisii Gambrivii Geats Gepids Goths Crimean Goths Greuthungi Gutones Ostrogoths Thervingi Thracian Goths Visigoths Gutes Harii Hermunduri Heruli Hilleviones Ingaevones Irminones Istvaeones Jutes Juthungi Lacringi Lemovii Lombards Heaðobards Lugii Diduni Helisii Helveconae Manimi Nahanarvali Marcomanni Marsacii Marsi Mattiaci Nemetes Njars Nuithones Osi Quadi Reudigni Rugii Rugini Saxons Semnones Sicambri Sciri Sitones Suarines Suebi Sunici Swedes Taifals Tencteri Teutons Thelir Thuringi Toxandri Treveri Triboci Tubantes Tulingi Tungri Ubii Usipetes Vagoth Vandals Hasdingi Silingi Vangiones Varisci Victohali Vidivarii Vinoviloth Warini Christianization Gothic Christianity Christianization of the Franks Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England East Anglia Christianization of Scandinavia Christianization of Iceland Category

v t e Personal names and anthroponymy Personal name Birth name Given name Surname patrilineal matrilineal affixes nobiliary particle By sequence Given name list Middle name Surname list By trait Diminutive Double-barrelled Epithet animal common plant Eponymic Matronymic Metonymic Mononymic Occupational Patronymic surname Sobriquet Teknonymic Toponymic surname Patrial Unisex Virtue By life situation Aptronym Bardic name Birth name Code name Maiden and married names Necronym Posthumous name Temple name Placeholder name Notname Regnal name Slave name Pseudonyms (list) Art name bugō Nicknames list hypocorism list of monarchs nom de guerre Pen name heteronym Ring name shikona Stage name list list of mononyms Username By culture (surnames) East Asia (Sinosphere) Chinese art courtesy generation titles Hong Kong Formosan Japanese Amami Okinawan Korean Vietnamese Northern Asia and Central Asia Kalmyk Manchu Mongolian Sakha Tibetan West Asia / Middle East and North Africa Afghan Arabic Azerbaijani Berber Coptic Hebrew Mandaean Pashtun Persian Somali Tatar Turkish Oceania Australian Aboriginal Fijian Hawaiian Māori Vanuatuan Sub-Saharan Africa Ashanti Congolese Eritrean and Ethiopian Ewe Ghanaian Igbo Rwandan Yoruba Zimbabwean Europe, Americas and Australasia (Western world) Baltic Latvian Lithuanian Celtic Cornish Irish Manx Scottish Welsh Germanic Dutch English American African-American Canadian German Gothic Icelandic Scandinavian Swedish Romance French Italian Occitan Portuguese Roman praenomen nomen cognomen agnomen Romanian Spanish Hispanic America Catalan Slavic Bulgarian Croatian Czech East Slavic Belarusian Russian Ukrainian Kashubian Macedonian Polish Serbian Slovak Suffixes Uralic Estonian Finnish Hungarian Other Albanian Armenian Basque Georgian Greek ancient Cypriot South Asia and Southeast Asia (Indosphere) Balinese Bengali Bhutanese Burmese Filipino Indonesian Chinese Javanese Cambodian Malaysian Mizo (Lushai) Indian Lao Pakistani Sindhi Sinhalese Tamilian Thai By religion Christian biblical papal russian orthodox clergy saint Buddhist surname Dharma Jewish Hebrew surname Mandaean Theophoric Manners of address (list) Of authority and of honour Styles Honorific diplomatic imperial, royal, and noble judiciary religious ecclesiastical Pre-nominal letters Suffix emeritus Post-nominal letters academic orders, decorations, and medals Titles Academic Imperial, royal and noble chivalric courtesy false hereditary subsidiary substantive Military professional Academic educational honorary Corporate Diplomatic Judicial Religious ecclesiastical papal Related traditions Baptism Name day Calendar of saints Related Acronym Anonymity Anthropomorphism personification national Call sign Deadnaming Endonym and exonym Family Galton–Watson process Legal name name change Namesake Naming taboo Nomenclature nomen nescio Misnomer Onomastics -onym Personal identity identifier Proper noun Signature monogram royal cypher khelrtva signum manus tughra Surnames by country

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Germanic name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanic_name) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanic_name?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.