Names Spotted in a Recent Read


I recently read a fabulous faction about the life of St. Radegonde, Women in the Wall, by Julia O’Faolain unfortunately, I believe it is out of print, however, it is easily obtainable on Amazon from other sellers.

Since the book is set in 6th-century France and based on real characters, it is a treasure trove of unusual yet legitimate names. Here is a list of the characters in alphabetical order:

(The author used the Latinate versions of the names, some the names have their French equivalents in parenthesis)

Female

Amalaberg
Aregunda
Audovera (Audovère)
Austrasia
Austrechild
Basina
Baudonivia
Brunhilde
Chrodechilde
Clotsinda
Disciola (Disciole)
Fredegunda
Fridovigia
Galswinthe
Gerberga
Gunsildis
Hiltga
Ingunda
Justina (Justine)
Leuba
Liliola (Liloïe)
Marileif
Merofled
Nantilde
Radegunda (Radegonde)
Vuldetrada

Male

Berthefred
Bertram
Boethius
Cassian (Cassien)
Charibert
Childebert
Childeric
Chilperic
Chlodecharius
Chramn
Clotaire
Clovis
Criadus
Droctulf
Florius
Fortunatus
Garivald
Gundovald
Guntram
Hamalafred
Launebodus
Leudast
Lupus (Loup)
Magneric
Mamas
Maroveus
Mummolus
Palladius
Praetextatus
Proculus
Rathar
Rauching
Sigibert
Thaumastus
Theudebert
Ursio

3 thoughts on “Names Spotted in a Recent Read

  1. I’m really intrigued by Basina, which sounds like it could be a great way to honor my father-in-law Bastien. Do you have any information regarding its meaning/origin, by chance?

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