Germanic name

Not to be confused with German name.

Germanic given names are traditionally dithematic; that is, they are formed from two elements, by joining a prefix and a suffix. For example, King Æþelred's name was derived from æþele, meaning "noble", and ræd, meaning "counsel".

However, 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, short forms of originally dithematic names, but in many cases the etymology of the supposed original name cannot be recovered.

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

A great variety of names are attested from the medieval period, falling into the rough categories of Scandinavian (Old Norse), Anglo-Saxon (Old English), continental (Frankish, Old High German and Low German), and East Germanic (see Gothic names) forms.

By the High Middle Ages, many of these names had undergone numerous sound changes and/or were abbreviated, so that their derivation is not always clear.

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 (from the Old High German Willahelm), followed by Robert, Richard and Henry.

Many native English (Anglo-Saxon) names fell into disuse in the later Middle Ages, but experienced a revival in the Victorian era; some of these are Edward, Edwin, Edmund, Edgar, Alfred, Oswald and Harold for males; the female names Mildred and Gertrude also continue to be used in present day, Audrey continues the Anglo-Norman (French) form of the Anglo-Saxon Æðelþryð, while the name Godiva is a Latin form of Godgifu. Some names, like Howard and Ronald, are thought to originate from multiple Germanic languages, including Anglo-Saxon.

Dithematic names

Element	Meaning	Prefix	Suffix	Examples	Notes
act, aht, oht	fearsome(?)	Y		Ohthere, Ohtrad, Actumerus, Octric, Actulf; Actohildis, Octolindis	Pokorny suggests rather the root of OHG āhta `hostile pursuit', Germ.. Acht, OE. ōht 'pursuit, harassment'< *anhtō, in OE conflated with ōht 'terror', from the preterite of ag- "fear". 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	—	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	—	Ælfwine, Ælfric, Alfred, Ælfweard, Ælfsige; Ælfflæd, Ælfwaru, Ælfwynn
*alh, alah, ealh	hall, temple	Y		Ealhhelm, Ealhmund/Alcmund, Alhred, Ealhwine/Alcuin; Ealhswith, Ælgifu(?)	Perhaps related to runic alu
amala	work(?)	Y		Amaleberga, Amalafrida, Amalrica, Amalaswintha/Melisende/Millicent	c.f. 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, Oswin, Oswald/Ansaldo/Answald, Ansleth, Ásleikr/Anslech/Oslac, 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	—	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	c.f. 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. c.f. also Ethel, Otto, Odda, Auðr
aun, on, ean	?	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, 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".
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	?	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	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.
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, 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, Fredegund/Frithugyth, Friedrich/Frederick, Frithuwold, Fridthjof/Fritiof; Billfrith, Dietfried, Ecgfrith/Ecgfrida, Ermenfrid, Godfried, Gottfried, Sigfrid/Siegfried, Walfrid/Walfried	In Old English, used almost exclusively for male names; Ecgfriþ is noted exception
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	c.f. 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	magic	Y	Y	Gannibald, Ganefard, Ganhart ; Adalgan, Audiganus, Wolfgan
gand, gend	?	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, 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	c.f. 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	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; c.f. the entries under ercan.
hard, heard	brave, hardy	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	—	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	(?)	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	(?)	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, renown, love, godlike	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, hyg	spirit, courage	Y	( Y)	Hugibald/Ubaldo, Hygelac/Hyglac, Hugubert/Hubert, Hugibrant, Hucger, Hugilind; Adalhug, Kerhuge	hypocorisms Hugh, Hugo
hun	swelling; chip, block; offspring, (bear) cub; warrior	Y	Y	Hunferthus, Humboldt, Hunbeorht/Humbert; Andhun, Berthun; Ælfhun	c.f. 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	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	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
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)"
lind	soft, mild, alternatively "shield" (made of linden tree) in ON, OHG and OE)	(Y)	Y	Gislinde, Heidelinde, Rosalint, Ermelind, Kristlind, Melinda, Odelinde, Siglind/Sieglinde, Theodolinda, Þórlindur; Linddís, Lindolf, Lindvald, Lindvardh, Linveig	very frequent as a second element in feminine names
liub, leof	desirable, friendly	Y		Leofric, Leofwine, Leofwynn, Leofgyth
liuti	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	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	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	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	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; Sigelinde/Siglind, Sigtrud	possibly theophoric in origin, in reference to Teiwaz, and later Odin, the god of victory. Hypocorisms Sigo, Sike, Sikke.
stan	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
Valdr	ruler, leader		Y	Raginald/Reginald/Reynold/Reinhold/Reynhold/Ronald, Roald, Sigvald
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	power, brightness	Y	Y	Waldemar/Vladimir, Walther; Edwald, Ewald, Frithuwold, Harold, Sigwald/Siwald, Gerald, Gundoald, Waldwolf/Waldolf/Adolf, Oswald/Ansaldo, Walfrid/Walfried
warin; weard	guardian	Y	Y	Warinhari/Wernher/Werner; Brunward, Edward, Sigward; Freawaru, Ælfwaru
wiht	wight, spirit	Y		Wihtred
wil	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, Walaman, Walarad, Walerand, Walaruna, Walesinda, Wala-anc, Walahelm, Walaram/Waleran	hypochoristic Wallia, Walica. c.f. Valhalla, Valkyrie, Valföðr etc.
wod (wad?)	fury	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. 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".
wid(u), wit	wood, forest	Y		Withhold, Widukind	hypocorism Guido, Guy
wulf	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, 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; these names may have originated as hypocorisms of full dithematic names, but in some cases they entered common usage and were no longer perceived as such.

• Masculine: Aldo (whence English Aldous), Adel, Anso/Anzo/Enzo, Folki/Folke/Fulco, Gero, Helmo/Elmo, Ise/Iso, Kuno, Lanzo, Manno, Odo/Otto, Rocco, Sten, Waldo, Warin, Wido, Wine, Wolf/Wulf
• Feminine: Adele, Alda, Bertha, Emma, Hilda, Ida, Isa, Linda, Oda

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".

Bynames

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

Uncertain etymology

• Gustav 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"
• Old English Pǣga (unknown meaning)
• Waldo from Old English Waltheof (unknown meaning)
• Pepin
• Morcar
• Zotto
• Cleph
• Pemmo

See also

• Dutch name
• German name
• German family name etymology
• Scandinavian family name etymology
• Germanic placename etymology
  • German placename etymology
  • List of generic forms in British place names
• List of names of Odin
• Slavic names
• Germanic personal names in Galicia
• Germanic names in Italy

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 9780198701675.
• Olof von Feilitzen, The Pre-conquest Personal Names of Domesday Book (1937).
• E. Förstemann, Altdeutsches Namenbuch (1856; online facsimile)
• Förstemann, Ernst (1900). Altdeutsches Namenbuch (3 ed.). Bonn: P. Hanstein. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
• Lena Peterson, Nordiskt runnamnslexikon, 4th ed. (2002); 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, 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]
• 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)
• 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. Heidelberg: C. Winter.

External links

• Germanic names (behindthename.com)
• Ancient Germanic names (behindthename.com)
• Gothic and Suevic Names in Galicia (NW Spain) before 1200 (celtiberia.net)
• Nordic Names: Name Elements (nordicnames.de)
• Ancient Germanic Names (kurufin.ru, in Russian)