Anglo-Saxon names serve as the foundation for historical character identity, defining how individuals from the Anglo-Saxon period are recognized and remembered. Whether you're creating historical characters, writing medieval stories, or developing creative projects, the name you choose becomes part of your character's identity. The Anglo-Saxon Name Generator helps you explore options that capture authentic Anglo-Saxon identity while fitting your creative needs.
Anglo-Saxon Naming Traditions
Anglo-Saxon names often incorporate elements from Old English language, history, and cultural traditions. They might use compound elements (Æthel- meaning 'noble', Wulf- meaning 'wolf', Ead- meaning 'prosperity'), reference historical figures, or follow traditional naming patterns. The generator uses these patterns to create names that feel genuine to Anglo-Saxon identity. Consider your character's background when selecting names, as Anglo-Saxon naming traditions can inspire authentic options.
Anglo-Saxon Name Elements
Different name elements inspire different Anglo-Saxon names. Common prefixes might include Æthel- (noble), Beorn- (bear), Cyn- (royal), Ead- (prosperity), God- (God), Leof- (dear), or Wulf- (wolf). Common suffixes might include -berht (bright), -gar (spear), -gifu (gift), -heard (brave), -ric (ruler), -stan (stone), or -wulf (wolf). The generator creates names that align with these elements, helping you find options that fit Anglo-Saxon naming conventions.
Historical Significance
Anglo-Saxon names draw from historical records, reflecting the names used by Anglo-Saxon people. They might combine traditional elements while maintaining Old English linguistic patterns, or reference historical figures that have become part of Anglo-Saxon culture. The generator creates names that work well within Anglo-Saxon naming traditions, helping you build characters that feel authentic to their historical background.
Memorability and Authenticity
Great Anglo-Saxon names are memorable and suggest their Anglo-Saxon identity. They should be distinctive without being overly complex or difficult to pronounce. Avoid names that are too similar to famous historical figures or easily confused with other names. The generator creates names that balance uniqueness with accessibility, helping you find options that work well for historical characters and stories.
Anglo-Saxon Name Ideas for 2026: 40 Old English Picks
Anglo-Saxon names often use compound elements that signal status, strength, and virtue. These ideas keep the Old English flavor while staying readable.
- Aethelred - noble counsel
- Aethelwulf - noble wolf
- Eadric - wealth ruler
- Eadgar - fortune spear
- Beornwulf - bear wolf
- Wulfstan - wolf stone
- Leofric - beloved ruler
- Cenric - keen ruler
- Oswald - God power
- Alfred - elf counsel
- Godwin - God friend
- Hereward - army guard
- Edmund - rich protector
- Harold - army ruler
- Sigebert - victory bright
- Wilfrid - will peace
- Berhtwynn - bright joy
- Eadgifu - wealth gift
- Aelfthryth - elf strength
- Aethelgifu - noble gift
- Leofwynn - dear joy
- Wulfgifu - wolf gift
- Saewynn - sea joy
- Cyneburh - royal fortress
- Hildred - battle counsel
- Wynnflaed - joy beauty
- Osric - God ruler
- Beornheard - bear brave
- Wulfgar - wolf spear
- Leofsige - beloved victory
- Ealdred - old counsel
- Cuthbert - famous bright
- Guthrum - war secret
- Hrothgar - famous spear
- Wiglaf - war heir
- Frithuwynn - peace joy
- Wulfrun - wolf rune
- Heahmund - high protector
- Osburh - God fortress
- Aelfwyn - elf joy
Tip: if you want a quick surname feel, add "of" + place (of Mercia, of Wessex) or use an epithet (the Bold, the Quiet).
When selecting an Anglo-Saxon name, consider how it reflects Anglo-Saxon naming traditions, historical significance, and your character's background. The Anglo-Saxon Name Generator provides names with meanings to help you choose wisely. For additional inspiration, explore our Old English Name Generator for Old English names, our Medieval English Name Generator for medieval names, or our Norse Name Generator for related Scandinavian names.