Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!

English names - Baby names with the origin English

English names reflect centuries of linguistic and cultural evolution, blending influences from Old English, Norman French, and Latin. Names like William and Elizabeth emerged from medieval history and royal traditions, symbolizing strength and nobility. Over time, English names have adapted to global trends while retaining their historical resonance.

Read Full

Name Meaning Origins Gender
Bonny Bonny means "pretty" or "good," originating from Scottish and English. English, Gaelic, Scottish Girl
Bony Bony means "thin"; originates from Middle English, related to bones. Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, English, French, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Latin, Spanish Unisex
Booker Booker: English name meaning "maker of books," historically significant and unisex. English Unisex
Boone Boone: English name meaning "blessing," popular for boys today. English Boy
Boot Boot is a unique, gender-neutral name meaning "remedy" or "cure." English Unisex
Boote Boote is an English surname meaning "boat," with historical significance. English Unisex
Booth Booth is an English surname meaning "hut" or "shelter." English Unisex
Boothe Boothe: English surname meaning "shelter," increasingly popular as a first name. English Boy
Bootsie Bootsie is a diminutive form of "Boots," often affectionate. American, English Unisex
Bootsy Bootsy originates from "boots," symbolizing playfulness and individuality in music. American, English Unisex
Bordin Bordin: Uncommon English name meaning "board hill," used for anyone. English Unisex
Bordyn Bordyn: unique, modern name with ambiguous gender and unclear origin. English Unisex
Boris Boris: masculine name meaning "fighter," popular in Slavic cultures. English Boy
Borisk Borisk: Russian diminutive of Boris, meaning "fighter" or "warrior." English Boy
Borne Borne means "stream," has historical roots, and is rarely used. English Boy
Bort Bort: Unique masculine name meaning "bright," derived from Old English. English Boy
Boryenka Boryenka: Unique Ukrainian name meaning "little fighter" or "warrior." English Unisex
Bosleah Bosleah: Unique English name meaning "clearing in the bush." Uncommon. English Unisex
Boslee Boslee: a unique, uncommon name with unclear meaning and origin. English Unisex
Bosleigh Bosleigh: Unique English name meaning "clearing in the woods." English Unisex
Bosley Bosley: English name meaning woodland clearing with thicket of bushes. English Unisex
Boslie Boslie is a rare, gender-neutral name with unclear origins. English Unisex
Bosly Bosly is a rare, modern name with unclear origins and meaning. English Unisex
Boss Boss originates from Dutch "baas," meaning master or leader. Dutch, English, Latin Unisex
Bosten Bosten: English name meaning "from Boston," used for boys and girls. English Unisex
Boston Boston originates from "St. Botolph's Town," named after an English saint. Algonquian, American, English Either
Bostyn Bostyn is a modern, unisex name inspired by Boston, USA. English Unisex
Boswel Boswel: English name meaning "dweller near the woods," unisex. English Unisex
Boswell Boswell: English surname meaning "dweller in the house in woods." English Unisex
Botolph Botolph: English name meaning "messenger wolf," rich historical significance. English Boy

FAQs about the name English

What is the origin of the name 'English'?

The name 'English' originates from the Old English term 'Englisc', referring to the Angles. The Angles were a Germanic tribe that migrated to what is now England, and their language formed the basis of Old English. Over time, 'Englisc' evolved into 'English', denoting the language and people of England.

Why is the language called 'English' and not 'British'?

The language is called 'English' because it was primarily developed in England rather than throughout the entire British Isles. The term 'British' encompasses a wider range of cultures and languages, including Welsh, Scottish, and Irish. English, however, specifically refers to the language that originated with the Angles in England.

How did the Angles influence the English language?

The Angles, along with the Saxons and Jutes, were among the main Germanic tribes that settled in Britain and influenced the development of the English language. Their language, Old English, laid the foundation for the modern English language. The name 'English' itself is derived from the name of the Angles.

Is the term 'English' related to the Angles tribe only?

Yes, the term 'English' is directly related to the Angles tribe. Although other tribes such as the Saxons and Jutes also settled in Britain, it was the Angles who gave their name to the English language. The term 'Anglo-Saxon' is often used to refer collectively to the cultures of the Angles and Saxons.

What does the word 'England' mean?

The word 'England' means 'land of the Angles'. It is derived from the Old English name 'Englaland', which literally translates to 'Angle-land'. The name reflects the dominance of the Angles tribe in the early formation of the country.

Has the name 'English' always referred to the language spoken in England?

Yes, the name 'English' has always referred to the language spoken in England since its early development. It originated from the Old English 'Englisc', which was the language of the Angles. Over the centuries, the language has evolved, but the name has remained consistent.

What is the difference between 'Anglo-' and 'English'?

'Anglo-' is a prefix meaning 'related to the Angles', while 'English' specifically refers to the language and people of England. 'Anglo-' is used in various terms, such as 'Anglo-Saxon' or 'Anglophone', to denote a broader cultural or linguistic connection. 'English', however, is more specific to the language and nationality associated with England.

Are the terms 'English' and 'Anglican' related?

Yes, the terms 'English' and 'Anglican' are related etymologically, both deriving from the Angles. 'Anglican' refers to the Church of England or its members and is related to the English national church. Despite their common root, 'English' is used more broadly, while 'Anglican' has a specific religious connotation.

How did the term 'English' evolve over time?

The term 'English' evolved from the Old English 'Englisc', which was the language of the Angles. As the language spread and developed, the term came to denote the people and culture of England as well. The modern usage of 'English' encompasses the language, nationality, and identity of England and its people.

What is the historical significance of the name 'English'?

The name 'English' holds historical significance as it represents the linguistic and cultural development of England since the Anglo-Saxon period. It signifies the transformation of the language from Old English to the global lingua franca it is today. The name also embodies the identity and heritage of the English people throughout history.