Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Anglo-Saxon names are rooted in the linguistic and cultural traditions of early England, often symbolizing nature, virtues, or ancestry. Names like Beowulf (bee wolf) and Eadric (wealthy ruler) reflect the history and storytelling traditions of the Anglo-Saxon people. These names preserve a legacy of strength and resilience.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babbie | Babbie: diminutive of Barbara, meaning "foreign woman" in Greek. | Anglo-Saxon, English | Female | |
| Baker | Baker: Occupational surname for bread makers; Old English origin. | Anglo-Saxon, English, Old English | Either | |
| Baldhere | Baldhere: Anglo-Saxon name meaning "bold warrior," historically significant and masculine. | Anglo-Saxon | Boy | |
| baley | Baley means "bailiff" or "steward"; derived from Old French origins. | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| Bally | Bally: Irish origin, meaning "place" or "town," often geographical. | Anglo-Saxon, Irish, Scottish | Unisex | |
| Banks | Banks means "riverbank"; originates from Old English "banc." | Anglo-Saxon, English | Unisex | |
| Bardric | Bardric means "ruler of warriors," a unique, strong masculine name. | Anglo-Saxon, Old English | Boy | |
| Bartleot | Bartleot: rare masculine name meaning "bright people" from Old English. | Anglo-Saxon, Old English | Boy | |
| Bascom | Bascom means "valley of the ash tree," of English origin. | Anglo-Saxon, English | Boy | |
| Bass | Bass originates from Middle English, meaning "low, deep sound." | Anglo-Saxon, English | Unisex | |
| Bayley | Bayley means "bailiff" or "steward"; derived from Old French origins. | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| Baylor | Baylor: English surname, meaning "one who delivers goods" or "bailiff." | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| Beacon | Beacon means signal or guide; originates from Old English "beacen." | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| Bealdwine | Bealdwine means "bold friend"; rare masculine name with noble roots. | Anglo-Saxon, Middle Ages, Old English | Boy | |
| Bec | Bec: French origin, meaning "stream" or "small river." | Anglo-Saxon, Biblical, English | Unisex | |
| Beckham | Beckham means "homestead by the stream," originating from Old English. | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| Bellamy | Anglo-Saxon, English | |||
| bentlee | Bentlee: Modern variant of Bentley, meaning "meadow with coarse grass." | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| bently | Bently: English origin, meaning "bent grass meadow" or "meadow." | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either | |
| Beorhttun | Beorhttun means "bright settlement," reflecting Anglo-Saxon heritage and significance. | Anglo-Saxon, Old English | Unisex | |
| Beorhtwald | Beorhtwald: rare Anglo-Saxon name meaning "bright ruler," historically significant. | Anglo-Saxon | Boy | |
| Beorhtwine | Beorhtwine: Bright companion name with rich Anglo-Saxon historical significance. | Anglo-Saxon | Boy | |
| Beorhtwulf | Beorhtwulf: rare Anglo-Saxon name meaning "bright wolf," rich heritage. | Anglo-Saxon | Boy | |
| Beorn | Beorn means "bear" in Old English; associated with strength and nature. | Anglo-Saxon, Old English | Boy | |
| Beornham | Beornham means "warrior's home," reflecting strength and uniqueness. | Anglo-Saxon | Boy | |
| Berhtwald | Berhtwald: Rare Anglo-Saxon name meaning "bright ruler," historically significant. | Anglo-Saxon | Boy | |
| Bern | Bern means "bear" in German; named after the animal's presence. | Anglo-Saxon, German, Latin | Unisex | |
| Berni | Berni: Italian origin, meaning "brave as a bear." | Anglo-Saxon, Italian, Latin | Unisex | |
| Bernie | Bernie originates from Germanic, meaning "brave as a bear." | American, Anglo-Saxon, English | Unisex | |
| berrie | Berrie: Derived from "berry," meaning small fruit; English origin. | Anglo-Saxon, English | Either |
The term 'Anglo-Saxon' originates from the names of two Germanic tribes, the Angles and the Saxons. These tribes, along with others such as the Jutes, migrated to Britain during the 5th and 6th centuries. Over time, their cultures and languages merged, forming the Anglo-Saxon identity.
The Angles and Saxons were Germanic tribes that settled in Britain during the Early Middle Ages. The Angles are believed to have come from the region of Angeln in modern-day northern Germany and Denmark, while the Saxons originated from what is now the northwestern part of Germany. Their migration and subsequent settlement in Britain laid the foundation for the Anglo-Saxon period.
The term 'Anglo-Saxon' is used to describe early English history because it reflects the dominant cultural and linguistic influence of the Angles and Saxons in England. After their settlement, the Anglo-Saxon culture became synonymous with the English people until the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is a historical term that helps to distinguish this period from subsequent eras of English history.
The Anglo-Saxons spoke Old English, which was a Germanic language. Old English evolved from the various dialects spoken by the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and other tribes that settled in Britain. This language is the precursor to Middle English and ultimately modern English.
The Anglo-Saxon period refers to the era in British history from the 5th century to the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is marked by the migration of Germanic tribes to Britain and the establishment of their distinct culture and kingdoms. This period is crucial for understanding the early formation of England as a nation.
The term 'Anglo-Saxon' came into common usage during the 8th century as a way of distinguishing the English Saxons from the Old Saxons of the European continent. It was used by writers and historians to describe the Germanic peoples who had settled in England. Over time, it became a standard term in historical and cultural references to this group and their descendants.
The terms 'Anglo-Saxon' and 'English' are not entirely interchangeable, as they refer to different time periods and cultural contexts. 'Anglo-Saxon' specifically refers to the people and culture of England from the 5th century to the 11th century, while 'English' can refer to anything related to England or its people, including the language, in a broader and more modern context. The distinction is important for historical accuracy and understanding the evolution of English identity.
The Anglo-Saxons had a profound impact on modern Britain, particularly in the formation of the English language and legal system. Their social structures, cultural practices, and linguistic contributions are deeply embedded in the fabric of British society. The legacy of the Anglo-Saxons can be seen in place names, literature, and the continuity of various institutions.
The Anglo-Saxons did not initially have a unified kingdom; instead, they formed several independent kingdoms known as the Heptarchy. These included Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Wessex. Over time, these kingdoms experienced periods of consolidation and conflict, with Wessex eventually emerging as the most dominant and leading to a more unified English kingdom.
The main achievements of the Anglo-Saxon period include the establishment of a distinct English culture, the development of the Old English language, and significant contributions to literature, such as the epic poem "Beowulf." The period also saw the creation of enduring legal and governmental systems. Additionally, the Anglo-Saxons were skilled in various crafts and trades, leaving behind a rich archaeological record.
