210 Great Traditional Colonial Names with Meanings

Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason.

However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.

We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it.

How can you avoid that? Do some research and check out some popular traditional colonial baby names to get a better idea.

Ada– “nobility”

Agnes– “pure”

Alice– “noble”

Amy– “friend”

Ann– “the favored one”

Barbara -“strange”

Betty– “oath of God”

Bridget– “power, virtue”

Caroline– “free man”

Catherine– “pure”

Charlotte– “petite”

Deborah– “bee”

In the past, some parents have named their children after celebrities or fictional characters.

Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical. Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.

Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child that they opt for a one-word baby name.

And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.

In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity.

Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion.

So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome traditional colonial baby names.

Dinah– “vindicated”

Dorothy– “gift of God”

Eleanor– “God is my light”

Elizabeth– “God is abundance”

Ellen– “shining light”

Eliza– “joyful”

Emma– “universal” or “whole”

Esther -“star”

Mabel– “lovable”

Adelaide– “noble, nobility”

Clementine– “mild, merciful”

Florence– “flourishing, prosperous”

Penelope– “weaver”

Elsie– “pledged to God”

Adeline– “noble, nobility”

Genevieve– “tribe woman”

Charlotte– “free man”

Traditional Colonial Names

Cecilia– “blind”

Edith– “prosperous in war”

Olive– “olive tree”

Lydia– “woman from Lydia”

Anna– “grace”

Margaret– “pearl”

Jane– “God is gracious”

Althea– “with healing power”

Elizabeth -“pledged to God”

Caroline -“free man”

Thalia– “abundance”

Baron– “young warrior”

Popular Traditional Colonial Baby Names

Kara– “Supergirl”

Phoebe– “bright”

Rachel– “ewe”

Rebecca– “captivating moderator”

Ruth– “friend”

Sally– “princess”

Sarah– “joy or delight”

Ysabell– “Mort”

Frederick– “peaceful ruler”

Sága– “The Goddess of wisdom”

Athena– “justice”

Neil– “Champion”

Aerwyna– “sea”

Violet– “A Series of Unfortunate Events”

Traditional Colonial Names

What are some of the cutest traditional colonial baby names?

Carme– “harvest”

George– “earthworker”

Venus– “Goddess of love”

Tess– “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”

Lucia– “light”

Hannah– “grace”

Reginald– “King”

Sybil– “oracle”

Alice– “noble”

Amelia– “work”

Phoebe-“shining one”

Lucy– “light”

Faith– “belief”

More Baby Names:

Tips for Naming Your Babies

There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives, there are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name.

These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.

If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:

1.   Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.

It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.

Here are some popular traditional colonial baby names out there:

Felicity– “good fortune”

Frances– “free one”

Hannah -“grace”

Harriet– “home ruler”

Isabel– “pledged to God”

Jane– “God is merciful”

Jemima– “dove”

Joanna– “God is gracious”

Joy– “happiness”

Hester– “star”

Ida– “to work or labor”

Lazarus– “God will help”

Maud– “powerful fighter”

2.   Do not skip lovely traditional colonial baby names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.

Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names.

They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought provoking is the game these days.

How would you like these traditional colonial baby names:

Penelope– “weaver”

Silas– “the youngest”

Avice– “refuge in battle”

Geoffrey– “peaceful pledge”

Gilbert– “bright pledge”

Isolde– “fair lady”

Marge– “pearl”

Matilda– “strength in battle”

Godiva -“gift of God”

Holace– “close to the

Beatrice– “one who makes others happy”

Constance– “constant”

Enoch– “dedicated or experienced”

3.   Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.

SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name.

However, it is important that you do not make it weird. Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.

Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:

Bram

Meaning: “Raven”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Raven.

Spelling and variations: Abraham, Braham, Braam, Bran, Brann, Braam.

Famous people with this name: Bram Evans.

Cas

Meaning: “Imperial”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Imperial.

Spelling and variations: Cass, Caz.

Famous people with this name: Cas M. Robinson.

Diederik

Meaning: “The people’s ruler”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means The people’s ruler.

Spelling and variations Diderik, Derek, Dietrich, Derrick, Darick, Ricky:.

Famous people with this name: Diederik Durven.

Arabella

Meaning: “prayerful”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means prayerful.

Spelling and variations: Aarabella, Amabilia, Amabillia, Arabelle.

Famous people with this name: Arabella Mansfield.

Beatrix

Meaning: “blessed”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means blessed.

Spelling and variations: Trixie, Viatrix, Bea, Beatrice, Beata, Béatrice.

Famous people with this name: Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard.

Dirk

Meaning: “The people’s ruler”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means The people’s ruler.

Spelling and variations: Dierich, Dieric, Dierk, Dierck.

Famous people with this name: Dirk Nowitzki.

Elmo

Meaning: “Famous”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Famous.

Spelling and variations: Almar, Elmowe, Ermo, Anselm, Elmer.

Famous people with this name: Elmo Langley.

Espen

Meaning: “deity”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means deity.

Spelling and variations: Aspen, Asbjørn, Esben, Ásbiǫrn, Esbern, Esbjørn.

Famous people with this name: Espen Eckbo.

Floris

Meaning: “Blossoming flower”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Blossoming flower.

Spelling and variations: Florentius, Florentinus, Florenze  .

Famous people with this name: . Floris Adriaan van Hall

Gerrit

Meaning: “Brave”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Brave.

Spelling and variations Garrett, Garret, Gerald, Ganen, Garet, Garald:.

Famous people with this name: Gerrit Alan Cole.

Hans

Meaning: “Gracious God”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Gracious God.

Spelling and variations: Hanz, Hanzel, Hansel, Hanns, Hannes, Hanss.

Famous people with this name: Hans Christian Andersen.

Hendrick

Meaning: “Homeland”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Homeland.

Spelling and variations: Heinz, Hank, Henry, Henri, Heinrich.

Famous people with this name: Hendrick Cornelisz Vroom.

Issac

Meaning: “Full of laughter”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Full of laughter.

Spelling and variations: Issak, Issack, Isaac, Ike, Issacc, Aizik, Izaac.

Famous people with this name: Isaac Newton.

Jaap

Meaning: “Holder of the heel”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Holder of the heel.

Spelling and variations: Iacobus, Iacomus, Iakobos, Yaakov, Jim, James, Jimi, Jacob.

Famous people with this name: Jaap Boot.

Lars

Meaning: “Crowned with laurel”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Crowned with laurel.

Spelling and variations: Larry, Lawrence, Larsen, Larson, Larss, Larz.

Famous people with this name: Lars Christensen.

4.   Crossing your favorite traditional colonial baby names on the feedback on friends and family members.

Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion.

You will hardly find traditional colonial baby names that everybody would like. Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.

Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:

Schuyler- “scholar”

ddison- “son of Adam”

Bailey- “city fortification”

Blythe- “a pleasant person”

Edel- “noble or splendid”

Nicholas– “people of victory”

Aurora– “goddess of dawn”

Kamala– “Ms Marvel”

Veritas– “The Goddess of truth”

Kelly– “warrior”

Kennedy– “helmeted chief”

Melatiah– “deliverance of the Lord”

5.   Do a little research and find what is out there.

Research is important step for the first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick. You will be all good once you do a little internet research.

You will also be able to find some great traditional colonial baby names that you might consider now or in the future.

Here are some common baby names examples to help you:

Joost

Meaning: “Just”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Just.

Spelling and variations: Justinus, Justus, Jost, Jodocus, Josse.

Famous people with this name: Joost Bankert.

Kees

Meaning: “Calm”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Calm.

Spelling and variations: Kees.

Famous people with this name: Dutch reformist educator.

Kerstan

Meaning: “Anointed”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Anointed.

Spelling and variations: Christian, Christianus, Chrestian, Christo, Chrisline, Christé.

Famous people with this name: Kerstan.

Nora

Meaning: “Light”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Light.

Spelling and variations: Noor, Noortje, Eleanor, Ellen, Nore, Nori, Nóri, Noralee.

Famous people with this name: Nora Ephron.

Skylar

Meaning: “Scholar”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Scholar.

Spelling and variations: Skyler, Skylarmarie, Schuylar.

Famous people with this name: Skylar Laine.

Sofie

Meaning: “Wise”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Wise.

Spelling and variations: Sofieke, Soffie, Sophie, Sofia.

Famous people with this name: Sofie Cappelen.

Tess

Meaning: “Harvester”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Harvester.

Spelling and variations: Teresa, Tessa, Tessie, Theresa, Thess, Tina, Tessy, Thessy.

Famous people with this name: plus-size model.

 Verena

Meaning: “True”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means True.

Spelling and variations: Veryna, Verina, Vereena.

Famous people with this name: Verena Mei.

Wilma

Meaning: “Desire”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Desire.

Spelling and variations: Wilhelma, Wilhelm, Villemo, Amilia.

Famous people with this name: Wilma Glodean Rudolph.

Annelies

Meaning: “Grace”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Grace.

Spelling and variations: Annelise, Annalise, Annaliese, Anelise, Analise, Analiese, Anne.

Famous people with this name: Anneliese Seubert.

Annemie

Meaning: “God has favored me”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means God has favored me.

Spelling and variations: Annamay, Annamae, Annamie, Annemarie, Annamaria.

Famous people with this name: Annemie Coenen.

Aart

Meaning: “Like an eagle”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Like an eagle.

Spelling and variations: Arthur, Artus, Art.

Famous people with this name: Dutch-Canadian painter.

Brandy

Meaning: “Burnt wine”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Burnt wine.

Spelling and variations: Brandi, Bradys, Brandylee, Brandey, Brandie.

Famous people with this name: Brandy Ledford.

Barend

Meaning: “Bear”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Bear.

Spelling and variations: Barend.

Famous people with this name: Barend Biesheuvel.

Bartel

Meaning: “From the barley farm”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means From the barley farm.

Spelling and variations Bartil, Bart, Bert, Barte, Barth, Bartolomeus:.

Famous people with this name: Bartel J. Jonkman, U.S. politician.

6.   Consider the names of the subsequent children.

Maybe, you are first time parents and figuring out some cool traditional colonial baby name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.

7.   Avoid the names with bad meanings.

Baby names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid.

Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.

Here are some of the cool traditional colonial baby names with meanings:

Morgan– “chief of the sea”

Noel– “Christmas”

Regan– “the sovereign”

Renata– “born again”

Gertrude– “the strongest spear”

Isabeau– “Ladyhawke”

Arete– “knowledge”

Alessia– “defender”

Alvilda– “battle of elves”

Susan– “lily flower”

Temperance– “moderation”

Veronica– “victory”

Alexis– “protector”

8.   Pick up good people’s names from history.

The name of person has an effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history. You can consider this as well.

I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past. I bet you’d find some awesome and useable traditional colonial baby names if you look into it.

We have a small list of traditional colonial baby names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:

Betje

Meaning: “God is abundant”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means God is abundant.

Spelling and variations: Elise, Elly, Els, Else, Elsje, Ilse, Lies, Liese, Liesje, Lisa, Lize.

Famous people with this name: Betje.

Dael

Meaning: “Small valley”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Small valley.

Spelling and variations: Dale, Dahlia, Dalla, Dahl, Daela.

Famous people with this name: Dael Orlandersmith.

Evi

Meaning: “Life”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Life.

Spelling and variations: Evy, Evelyn, Elvira, Eva, Eve, Efi, Chava.

Famous people with this name: Evi Adam.

Famke

Meaning: “Little girl”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Little girl.

Spelling and variations: Femke.

Famous people with this name: Famke Janssen.

Fenna

Meaning: “Peace”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Peace.

Spelling and variations: Faina, Fenja, Fainia, Fenne.

Famous people with this name: Fenna Vanhoutte.

Gusta

Meaning: “Sublime”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Sublime.

Spelling and variations: Gustava, Augusta, Gusti, Gustie, Gussy, Gussie, Gus, Gusty.

Famous people with this name: Gusta Chrispijn-Mulder.

Aleid

Meaning: “Noble”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Noble.

Spelling and variations: Aleidy, Adelheid, Adalheidis, Adaliz, Adelais, Adela.

Famous people with this name: Aleid .

Anika

Meaning: “Grace”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Grace.

Spelling and variations: Anna, Anniki, Anaca, Annika, Ann, Aneka.

Famous people with this name: American singer Anika Paris.

Ilse

Meaning: “God’s promise”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means God’s promise.

Spelling and variationsBetje, Elise, Elly, Els, Elsje, Ilse, Lies, Liese, Liesje, Lisa, Li:.

Famous people with this name: .

Lara

Meaning: “Laurel wreath”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Laurel wreath.

Spelling and variations: Laurentia, Laurentius, Larae, Clare, Clara.

Famous people with this name: Lara Jones.

Marian

Meaning: “Drop of the sea”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means. Drop of the sea

Spelling and variations: Marien, Mariam, Mariana, Mariane, Marion.

Famous people with this name: American rights activist.

Marit

Meaning: “Pearl”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Pearl.

Spelling and variations: Margaret, Margrit, Martha, Marita, Marthalee, Miriam, Marisa.

Famous people with this name: .

Maud

Meaning: “Strong battle maiden”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Strong battle maiden.

Spelling and variations: Medieval form of Matilda. Madde.

Famous people with this name: Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria of Wales.

Noa

Meaning: “Movement”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Movement.

Spelling and variations: Noa.

Famous people with this name: dash.

Johan

Meaning: “Gift from God”

Origin: Dutch.

Description: Dutch origin and its means Gift from God.

Spelling and variations: John, Johon, Johathon, Johanan.

Famous people with this name: Johan Franzen.

9.   Make sure the first and second names fit with each other.

This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.

Check out traditional colonial baby names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:

Aphrodite– “goddess of love”

Tiggy– “Antigone”

Leopold – “brave people”

Mary Ann– “drop of the sea”

Mercy– “compassion”

Nancy– “grace”

Orinda– “pine trees”

Patience– “enduring”

Peggy– “pearl”

Wendy– “Peter Pan”

Ade– “Colonial”

Bellona– “peace”

10.   Avoid names with too many syllables.

Baby names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.

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About Muhammad Bilal

Bilal is BS computer science student. He is learning programming and coding. Branding and marketing are his other interests. When he isn't working, he loves indoor games.