A list of medieval names for your novel

Mar 10, 2025

Writing a medieval-themed story can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to creating believable characters. One of the most important elements of a medieval world is the names. After all, a name can set the tone for a character, providing insights into their background, status, and culture. Whether you’re writing about knights, royalty, peasants, or magical beings, the right name can bring your characters to life.

To help you get started, here is a list of medieval names divided into eight categories. Apart from the last category (historical names), the names are invented, you can change them as much as you want to fit your story.

You can also look a this list of names inspired by greek mythology.

Noble/Aristocratic names

In medieval times, the nobility often had names that carried a sense of grandeur and heritage. Here are a few names that exude the power and influence of the upper class:

Alistair de Ravenshade
Isolde of Greystone
Godfrey du Valmont
Eleanor of Ashford
Berengar Falkenhayn
Adelaide of Viremont

Knightly names

Knights were often seen as protectors of the realm, with names that reflected their chivalric roles and martial prowess. Here are some knightly names that could suit your valiant heroes (or anti-heroes):

Roland Stormbringer
Edric Ironclad
Gawain Darkwood
Isla the Bold
Cedric the Unyielding
Taryn Blackblade

Peasant and commoner names

The common folk in medieval societies were often named simply, with a focus on practicality, and sometimes their jobs. These names carry a humble charm and are great for everyday characters:

Piers Goodheart
Edda of Willowbrook
Wilhelm Thorne
Mira Hedgefield
Tobias Cottrell
Adele Greenbriar

Clerical/Monastic names

Clerics and monks in the medieval period were often given names that reflected their devoutness, their order, or their role within the church. These names carry a spiritual or religious undertone:

Brother Alaric
Sister Genevieve
Father Lucian
Abbot Edmund
Seraphina of Saint Seraphim
Friar Magnus

Magical/Mystical names

For those writing in the fantasy or magical realms, mystical names can evoke power and mystery. These names could suit wizards, witches, sorcerers, or even mystical creatures:

Thalric Moonshadow
Seren Shadowdancer
Aradia Silverbrook
Galadriel Nightwhisper
Lysandra Frostwillow
Malthus Darkstone

Viking-Inspired names

If your story involves Norse or Viking elements, these names can help bring that culture to life. Viking names often invoke a sense of strength, ruggedness, and a connection to the sea and the gods:

Bjorn Ironsworn
Astrid Stormbreaker
Eirik Bloodaxe
Freya Frostfang
Leif Sea-keeper
Hilda Ravenscar

Royalty and monarchs

Medieval royalty had names that were often passed down through generations, carrying historical weight and importance. These names are perfect for kings, queens, princes, and princesses:

King Edmund the Wise
Queen Beatrice of Ardentis
Prince Alistair of the Silver Coast
Princess Isolde the Just
Duke Roland the Mighty
Lady Eleanor the Fair

Historical figures and legendary names

Lastly, historical figures and legendary names can provide a deeper connection to the past. These names are perfect for characters who are based on or inspired by real people, heroes, or villains from medieval legend: