With the resurgence of all things medieval, it’s no wonder that parents are looking to the Renaissance for baby name inspiration. From classic names like Elizabeth and William to more unique picks like Guinevere and Merlin, plenty of beautiful baby names can be found in this period of history. Here are 6 of our favorites!
1. Leonardo – After the great artist, sculptor, and architect of the Italian Renaissance
2. Michelangelo – After the great artist of the High Renaissance
3. Raphael – After the painter and architect of the Italian High Renaissance
4. Donatello – After the early Renaissance sculptor from Florence
5. Brunelleschi – After the Early Renaissance architect who designed the dome of Florence Cathedral
6. Botticelli – After the Late Gothic painter from Florence
What were common names during the Renaissance?
Names during the Renaissance were often quite varied, reflecting aspects of a person’s character and life. Popular names for boys included Leonardo, Nicholas, and Henry, joined by traditional Latin options such as Andreas and Thomasinus. Women favored old testament-style names like Miriam or Ruth, but there was also an increasing preference for romantic characters from Classical mythology, including Flora, Diana, and Beatrice. In general, these names highlighted families’ religious faith as well as their aspirations for the character of their children.
What are some female Renaissance names?
The Renaissance was a time full of vibrant artwork, culture, and literature. With the emergence of renowned authors such as William Shakespeare, the era saw writers create many canonical works featuring women. Some famous female Renaissance names today are Juliet from Romeo and Juliet, Portia from The Merchant of Venice, Bianca from Taming the Shrew, Cordelia from King Lear, Imogen from Cymbeline, and Desdemona from Othello.
Each female lead left her indelible mark on the world with her captivating story; her role in helping shape literature is something worth noting even centuries after its inception. In modern times these women serve as inspirations for female creatives everywhere in art and media.
What are vintage names?
Vintage names refer to classic name choices, often from the past, that are making a comeback in today’s generation. A vintage name could include an old-fashioned favorite such as Emma and William or a more frisky option such as Edna and Ernest.
Whatever your style choice or cultural leanings, there is always a plethora of vintage names to pick from. Vintage names tend to be gender-neutral, carry confident yet subtle recognition, and hearken back to a time of gentility while offering timeless charm. For those looking for a modern yet traditional twist, then considering some vintage names is always sure to please.
What were good 1500s names?
The 1500s was an era of fantastical, ornate names. In England, there were traditional favorites such as William and John, but the creative names of the time came from the continent – think Jacques, Frederic, and Katharina. Especially popular in France were Gaspar (a variation on Jasper) and Francois (Francis). You would also find variations like Guillaume or Goswin (William), Johann or Johannes (John), and Madelon or Madeleine (Magdalen). Plus, it was common to include placements in a name, like Catherine of Aragon or Joseph-Antoine. If you could get yourself a cool name like that in the 1500s, you’d truly feel special!
Who is a famous Renaissance?
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous figures from the Renaissance. He was an Italian artist, inventor, engineer, and scientist who is regarded as the epitome of the “renaissance man”. His works of art – such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper – are considered masterpieces of their time, while his designs and engineering projects have become cornerstones in modern industry.
He also came up with ground-breaking ideas that would define technological progress for centuries to come. Leonardo da Vinci remains at the forefront of minds when people think about this era of discovery and creativity.
What is a royal female name?
A royal female name is a name typically thought of as being associated with royalty and nobility. Royalty and nobility have often had a prestigious and elite status throughout history, so choosing the right female name can be an important decision. When selecting a royal female name, one should consider not only its meaning but also how it sounds and how it rolls off the tongue.
There are many historical examples of renowned names such as Alexandra, Catherine, Elizabeth, and Victoria that have been found ever since they were affiliated with powerful leaders known around the world. A royal female name can also be kept within the family by passing down generations.
Wrapping Up: 6 Renaissance Baby Names
Naming your baby is an important decision that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. Thankfully, the Renaissance period offers lots of options to choose from. From classic names like Geoffrey and Margaret to more mysterious picks like Isabella and Vittoria, it’s easy to find something that reflects the history and traditions of this fantastic time.
Having a name that stands for centuries of culture could be a great way to give your baby a one-of-a-kind beginning in life. Whether you’re honoring a grandparent or wishing for a successful future, you can always find inspiration in Renaissance Baby Names! Take some time to browse the list, get creative, and see if there’s something special waiting for your little one!
