If you’re looking to choose a name, either for a new baby, a creative work, or a new pet, the world of royalty and aristocracy can be a rich source of inspiration.
For many centuries, the kings, queens, princes and princesses of the world have established a strong tradition of royal names, many of which have endured through many tumultuous centuries and are still popular choices in modern times.
While some royal parents throughout the ages have opted for a controversial name for their offspring, breaking with the great traditions of royal family naming etiquette, the vast majority of royals have chosen from a relatively small selection of names deemed suitable for a new prince or princess.
Here are some of the traditional royal boy names that have dominated the history books and still remain popular today.
• Arthur
The legends of King Arthur may be fictional accounts of a famous king, yet the name Arthur has also appeared in the factual records of royal history. Perhaps the most famous example is the elder brother of another legendary English king, Henry VII. Henry’s older brother, Arthur, Prince of Wales, was heir to the English throne, and the first husband of the Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon. However, this tragic young prince was to play only a fleeting role in royal history, dying from an unknown disease at just 15 years of age.
In modern times, the name Arthur has enjoyed cycles of popularity across all social circles, including royal children. The current king of England, Charles III, has this historic royal name as one of his middle names, being christened Charles Philip Arthur George.
• Peter
Peter is a traditional biblical name that became a popular royal name in recent centuries in a number of sovereign realms of Europe. King Peter II was the last King of Yugoslavia, and the Spanish King of Castile and Leon during the mid-14th century was also named Peter. The most iconic example of this royal choice of name is undoubtedly Peter I, Emperor of Russia, who became known as Peter The Great, regarded as one of the nation’s finest tsars.
A more contemporary example of the name Peter in royal circles is the son of Princess Anne. Anne, Princess Royal is the daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England, which makes her son Peter a nephew of the current monarch, King Charles III.
• Edward
Edward is a classic example of a traditional royal name deemed suitable for kings and princes. The English royal family line includes a great many kings named Edward, and there are also kings and princes bearing the name across other European royal families, including Portugal, Ireland, Scotland. One of the earliest records of a royal Edward dates back to Edward the Elder, who was an Anglo-Saxon king around the 9th century. This is an indication of the rich history this royal name bears, and it was chosen for many royal sons who would go on to become great kings.
A modern example of the enduring popularity of this name is the English royal, Prince Edward, the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This popular royal is the latest in a very long tradition of princes to carry on the name, though as 14th in line to the throne, it’s unlikely that he will join the ranks of his historic namesakes and become the next King Edward.
• George
George is one of the most famous traditional royal names, being the name of many of recent history’s kings and princes. Yet, the name dates back to the Middle Ages as a choice for a number of medieval kings.
It has been a popular name for some of the most famous of England’s kings – from George I during the Renaissance period, to George VI of postwar Britain, the father of Queen Elizabeth. It has also been a popular choice for a vast range of royal princes around the world who would go on to become kings of realms such as Bohemia, Cameroon, Georgia, Greece, Saxony, and Tonga.
Modern fans of contemporary royals will be familiar with the latest royal George to capture the hearts of the public. Prince George of England, son of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, has already made a name for himself as a notable royal. As the 2nd in line to the English throne, it’s likely that his name will enjoy a revival in popularity for many years into the future.
• James
James is another classic name for royal princes and kings, most notably in England, Scotland and Spain. James I of Aragon, Count of Barcelona was an early example of the name being chosen for royal princes in the Spanish realms of the 13th century. The first King James of Scotland reigned during a similar period, and he would set the precedent for four further kings of Scotland to bear his name. One of these Scottish kings would become the first King James of England, starting a new tradition of English monarchs with the name.
Typical of many traditional royal names, the name James has reappeared among the new generation of young princes. James, Earl of Wessex, is the son of England’s Prince Edward, and nephew of the king, Charles III. Like many traditional royal names, James is also a popular choice for parents from all social circles and backgrounds and is a much-loved name around the world, with many informal variations such as Jim and Jimmy.
Within the royal families of the world, the choice of name for a new prince or princess is a serious business. There are many centuries of history to be considered, including the individual stories of the past bearers of the name, for example, were they honourable, esteemed and regarded as great rulers? There are also family relations to consider, as it is common practice with royal families, indeed all families, for a child to be named in honour of a beloved relative or as a gesture of respect.
This could explain why so many of history’s kings and princes share the same name, and why so many remain popular throughout the centuries.