Baby Names
From extra traditional names like Mary to glamorous ones like Leopold, this list has something for your own royal babe.
Just like a royal wedding, there's something a little bit magical about a royal baby that captivates you, whether you mean to buy into the hype or not. It’s only fitting for royal fans to peek at this list of timeless baby names that are literally fit for royalty. While the inspiration for your baby's name can truly come from just about anywhere, why not choose a name with regal appeal?
When royal babies are born — in the Queen of England’s orbit, especially — there's a definite royal baby name surge that usually happens after each one. For example, the BBC reported that in 2016, "Charlotte was the 12th most popular name for girls, with 2,596 babies given the name. This is up 13 places on 2015 when Princess Charlotte, now the fourth in line to the throne, was born." Even here on the other side of the pond, the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) reported that the baby name Archie jumped from 988th most popular to 672nd in 2019, the same year Megan Markle and Prince Harry’s bundle of joy arrived.
Royal baby names are typically more traditional, but they do vary depending on which royal family you’re talking about. Although obvious royal names like William, Harry, and Kate are admittedly popular, there are several less prominently chosen royal names on this list that prove timeless despite their lack of trendiness. Regardless of whether you look to Belgium, Spain, England for royal baby name inspiration, there's something for every taste.
7
Augustus
With a nickname like "Augustus the Strong," you really can't go wrong naming your baby after King Augustus II of Poland. However, you're better off focusing on the meaning of the name itself, which means “venerable,” as opposed to the promiscuity that the king is actually known for, according to Encyclopedia.com.
8
Margaret
While there have been many princesses and queens named Margaret, the one you might want to name your kid after is Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II's sister, who, according to Town & Country, is known as a fun-loving member of the royal family. The classic name’s meaning — “pearl” — also evokes a regal feeling.
9
Charlotte
Princess Charlotte isn't the only royal to have that name. In fact, if she were to become queen, she would be Queen Charlotte II, because Queen Charlotte I was already taken by King George III's wife, way back in the early 1800s, according to the Independent. If you’re OK with a popular baby name, it’s a gorgeous choice for a little girl.
10
Magnus
While Magnus is a popular name in Denmark, it still feels unique here in the States. The name Magnus means greatest, and its popularity across the pond can be traced back to King Magnus of Norway, who ruled in the 11th century and inspired six subsequent kings with the same name, according to Behind The Name.
11
Eleanore
Another different way of spelling of an otherwise common royal family name that comes to us from Belgium, King Filip's youngest child is named Princess Eleanore. The name holds the same meaning as the traditional spelling, which means “bright, shining one” and is rooted in Greek origin, according to Baby Center.
12
Filip
The current King of Belgium and an alternative (and more unique) spelling of Philip, Filip is a much-loved royal name with a little twist. It’s currently a popular name choice for parents in Norway and Sweden, according to Nameberry, but still fairly obscure in the states. The name means “lover of horses,” which honestly seems pretty appropriate for a name bestowed upon royalty.
13
Matilda
The royal baby name Matilda means “battle mighty,” and has German origins, according to Nameberry. The daughter of King Henry I of England was named Matilda, but was known by other titles throughout her life including Empress Matilda, Queen of Italy, German Queen, and the Holy Roman Empress Matilda. How em-pressive.
14
Edgar
Edgar is a royal name that goes way back, all the way to the year 959 when Edgar the Peaceful reigned from the time he was a teenager. He was known for restoring political unity, according to English Monarchs. Edgar means “wealthy spearman” and in 2019 was the 384th most popular baby boy name in the U.S., according to the SSA.
15
Hugh
England often seems to have a monopoly on the monarchy, but France is full of royal baby name inspiration as well, like French King Hugh Capet. The name also means bright in mind and spirit, which gives it added allure. You’re also quite unlikely to run into another baby named Hugh here in the states, as the SSA ranked it 795th most popular in 2019.
16
Joachim
The third oldest child of parents Archduke Lorenz and Princess Astrid of Belgium is named Joachim, currently 10th in line for the Belgian throne. The royal baby name Joachim is of Hebrew origin and means “established by God,” according to Nameberry, and is found within the book of James in the Bible.
17
Rudolph
Another lesser-used name, Rudolph, comes from the French monarchy and has a meaning full of intrigue — famous wolf, according to Oh Baby Names. Despite also being the name of a very famous reindeer, the name doesn’t even currently breech the top 1000 most popular baby names in the U.S., according to the SSA.
18
Leopold
Not one but two Belgian kings were marked with the name Leopold, and the name was also bestowed to a grandson of Queen Victoria of England, yet it remains an under-the-radar choice for most families. The baby name Leopold is of German origin and means “bold people,” according to Baby Center. And Leo is a sweet nickname.
19
Laurent
The name of the youngest crowned prince of Belgium, doesn't Laurent just sound posh? You would, however, probably always have to pronounce it with a French accent to sound that way. In Latin, the name Laurent is a derivative of the feminine name Laurel, but in French it means “from the place of the laurel tree,” according to She Knows.
20
Elena
Does Disney royalty count? Princess Elena has a pretty adorable show on the Disney Channel in which she shows great devotion and leadership to her people, perhaps modeled after the crown Princess Elena of Spain, who is second in line to the throne. The name itself means “shining light,” so it’s definitely fitting for royalty.
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