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Germanicgiven names are traditionallydithematic; that is, they are formed from two elements (stems), by joining aprefix and asuffix. For example,King Æþelred's name was derived fromæþele, meaning "noble", andræd, meaning "counsel".[citation needed] The individual elements in dithematic names do not necessarily have anysemantic relationship to each other and the combination does not usually carry acompound meaning. Dithematic names are found in a variety ofIndo-European languages and are often derived from formulaicepithets 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 ashypocorisms, 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 theRoman Empire period, such as those ofArminius and his wifeThusnelda in the 1st century CE, and in greater frequency, especiallyGothic names, in the late Roman Empire, in the 4th to 5th centuries (theGermanic Heroic Age).[4]
A great variety of names are attested from themedieval period, falling into the rough categories of Scandinavian (Old Norse), Anglo-Saxon (Old English), continental (Frankish,Old High German andLow German), andEast Germanic (seeGothic names[5]) forms.
By theHigh 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]
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 beenWilliam (from theOld High GermanWillahelm), followed byRobert,Richard andHenry.[citation needed]
Many native English (Anglo-Saxon) names fell into disuse in the later Middle Ages but experienced a revival in theVictorian era.[citation needed] Some of these areEdwin,Edmund,Edgar,Alfred,Oswald andHarold for males; the female namesMildred andGertrude also continue to be used in present day,Audrey continues the Anglo-Norman (French) form of the Anglo-SaxonÆðelþryð, while the nameGodiva is a Latin form ofGodgifu.
Some names, likeHoward andRonald, are thought to originate from multiple Germanic languages, including Anglo-Saxon.[citation needed]
| Element | Meaning | Prefix | Suffix | 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 inag-, 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; likeagin perhaps a hypostatis of the olderag-; Förstemann, 22. SeeAgilaz. | |
| ala | all | Y | Alafrid, Alager, Alamunt, Alarad,Alaric, Alaruna, Alasuind | Some names inala- have this etymology; others are corruptions of names inaþal-. 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 runicalu | |
| 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 Norseaml "work". | |
| angil, engel; ingal/ingel | a tribal name | Y | Angilbald, Angilberht/Engelbert, Engilfrit, Angalgar, Angilhelm/Ingelhelm, Engilhoh; (Ingalberta), Angilburga, Angildruda, Engilgund | Names inangil- may arise withChristianization, by conflation with the prefixingal-, an extension of the theophoricing- 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 | seeethel,odal, | |
| *anô-, ONanu orái, OHGano | ancestor | Y | (?) | Olaf | HypocorismsOle,Åke/Åge |
| *ans-, ONás, OHGans, ASos | 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 inhari-. | |
| 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. alsoEthel,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. Atthe time, and given those bearing the name, slowly becomingOld 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, seeEostre,Aurvandil | |
| bald | bold | Y | Y | Baldwin;Theobald,Ubaldo, etc. | Very frequent, and often conflated with thewald 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 frombald |
| 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 | hypocorismBert. 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 alsoBurke |
| 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, perhapsbrightness, day, and a loan ofCelticdago "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 alsoDeor. | |
| 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 fromhari, which is also often reduced toeri-, er-, or fromari, arni. The formerin-, on the other hand, is often conflated with theirm- 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 OGHercan "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 ofTeiwaz.[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-; ONfriþ, OHGfridu | 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 (seeFraujaz,Frijjō). | |
| frig, freh | bold | Y | Frigobert, Frehholt, Friculf | ||
| frod | wise, prudent | Y | Frotbald, Frodobert, Frotfar, Frotfrid, Frodegard, Frothard, Frotland, Frotmir, Frotmund, Frodwin, Frodulf | hypocorismsFrodo, 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, earliergais | spear | Y | Y | Gerald,Gerhard/Gerard,Gerbrand,Gerwin,German;Berengar,Edgar,Oscar, Hrothgar/Roger,Thøger/Tøger/Theodgar | hypocorismGero,Gerry. Very frequent both as prefix and as suffix.Gerðr is the wife ofFreyr 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 theGeats/Goths. Hypocorisms Gaudo, Gaudila, Gauzilin, Gaudin. These names are popular during the 6th to 11th centuries. The forms ingot are difficult to distinguish from the elementgod "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 etymologiesguda "deus" andgoda "bonus" cannot be distinguished with certainty, while in older continental names this is often an alternative form ofGund | |
| 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 asHago,Chaino etc. From an early time conflated with names in Ag-, Agin-. See alsoHaguna. | |
| 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 forheath. |
| 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 elementsagil andhal. |
| *haim-; OHGhaim, heim, AShæm | home | Y | Henry/Heinrich, Heimwart | hypocorism Haimo | |
| haist, heist | furious, violent(?) | Y | Haisthilt,Haistulf, Hailun | cf. Old Englishhæst; also compared with the tribal name of theAesti. | |
| 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 underercan. | |
| 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 | hypocorismHarry,Heri(?). Very frequent, Förstemann lists 289 names with-hari as second element. As first element recorded as early as the 1st century (inChariovalda), 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 fromhaid. |
| 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. HypocorismHilda. |
| 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; Gothichairus, Anglo-Saxonheoro- "sword", also in the tribal name of theCherusci. | |
| 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 ofWodanaz originally (as waswulf-). Förestemann counts 125 masculine and 15 feminine with this suffix. The simplexHraban (and variants) is recorded from the 6th century. The Gothic nameValarauans 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 theHreiðgoths. | |
| hring, ring | ring | Y | (?)[24] | Hringuni, Rhincbold, Ringhelm, Hringweald, Hringolf | Förstemann 1900:877 suggests that the "ring" element in origin refers toring-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 withhrōþ- 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 didRocco bishop of Autun (7th century) andRocho 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 | hypocorismsHugh,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, seeIrminsul; 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 theJuthungi or theJutes | |
| jung | young | Y | Jungarat, Jungericus, Jungulf, Jugenprand | 8th to 10th century, rare (used more rarely thanald- "old") | |
| karl, carl, ceorl | free (about man) | Y | Y | Carlofred, Carlman; Altcarl, Gundecarl | rare; possibly extensions from thesimplex. |
| *kōni-;cen,coen | fierce, keen | Y | Conrad/Konrad,Cynric,Coenwulf | ||
| *kun(n)i-, OHGkuni, chun, alsochim, chin, chind; AScyne | royal, of a king; kin, offspring, child | Y | Kunibert,Kunimund,Cynewulf, Kunigunde, Cynegyth,Cynethryth, Cyneric,Chindasuinth, Adelchind, Drudchind, Widukind, Willekind | hypocorismKuno, 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 withliub "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, OHGnand[27] | courage | Y | Y | Nanthild,Notburga,Nothhelm;Byrhtnoth,Eadnoth,Ferdinand, Folcnand, Wieland/Wayland | |
| nord,nor, ONnorðr | north | Y | Norman,Normund,Norbert | also in use as the first element inNorway | |
| 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-; OHGrihhi, ASrīc, 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 theMerseburg 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 toTeiwaz, and laterOdin, the god of victory.[28] Hypocorisms Sigo, Sike, Sikke. |
| stan, sten | stone | Y | Æthelstan,Thorsten,Wulfstan, Bertstan, Rickstan | also in simplexSten, from ScandinavianSteinn | |
| 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 theVandals,Wends andAurvandil | |
| 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 | hypochoristicWallia, 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 withWodanaz, 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 withwod "fury" is uncertain, as there are the homophonic but unrelated roots of OHGwatan "to wade" andwat "garment".[31] | |
| wid(u), wit, with | wood, forest | Y | Withhold,Widukind | hypocorismGuido,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 toWodanaz, 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 alsoOffa (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, OHþrúðr, OEþrȳð,[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 formTrudy, 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. |
Some medieval Germanic names are attested in simplex form; these names may have originated ashypocorisms of full dithematic names, but in some cases they entered common usage and were no longer perceived as such.
Some hypocorisms retain a remnant of their second element, but reduced so that it cannot be identified unambiguously any longer; Curt/Kurt may abbreviate either Conrad or Cunibert. Harry may abbreviate either Harold or Henry.
Other monothematic names may have originated as bynames rather than hypocorisms of old dithematic names; examples may include Old English Æsc "ash tree",Carl "free man" (Charles),Hengest "stallion", Raban "raven" (Rabanus Maurus), Hagano/Hagen "enclosure",Earnest "vigorous, resolute".
Germanic names often feature a range of bynames: additional names that accompany a 'forename'. These can be toponymic (locational), occupational, genealogical, or 'nicknames'.[33]
