Fit for Royalty: Royal Names for Babies

Royals are undeniably big newsmakers, and the British royal family is no exception – from the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III to the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Royal names often carry deep historical significance and frequently inspire trends in baby naming around the world. Traditional names like William, George, and Charlotte have seen remarkable revivals following their use by modern royals, while classic names such as Victoria, Elizabeth, and Henry remain timeless choices that evoke nobility and heritage. Even lesser-known royal names from various monarchies – like Astrid, Magnus, and Leonor – offer distinctive options for parents seeking names with regal connections. Whether you're drawn to the historical gravitas of ancient monarchs or the contemporary charm of today's royal families, these names carry an undeniable sense of dignity and prestige.

Every parent is excited to find and reveal the perfect name for their new baby, but when a prince or princess is born, entire nations eagerly wait for the announcement. Just like the rest of us, royal families are extra careful when choosing a baby name, balancing their favorites with history, tradition, and a certain measure of sentimentality. Names like George, Charlotte, and Louis from the British royal family weren't randomly selected but carefully chosen to honor ancestors while maintaining royal dignity.

Here are some of the most interesting and storied names from the various monarchies around the world, plus a few of the more recent additions. The British royals often use names like Elizabeth, William, and Charles that have appeared throughout their history. In Sweden, names such as Victoria and Oscar carry significant royal weight, while the Spanish monarchy favors names like Felipe and Leonor. Japan's imperial family maintains traditional names like Naruhito and Aiko, demonstrating how royal naming practices reflect cultural heritage while establishing a legacy that connects past to future.

Royal baby girl names

Aiko

Aiko is the given name of a princess in Japan, the daughter and only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Princess Aiko, also known by her imperial title, Princess Toshi, will never become an empress due to a Japanese tradition that prohibits daughters from ascending the throne. The name Aiko carries beautiful significance, as its kanji characters translate to "one who loves others." This meaningful name reflects the royal family's hopes for their daughter to develop a compassionate nature and build strong connections with the Japanese people. In Japanese culture, names are chosen with great care, especially for royal children, as they often carry wishes for the child's future character and life path.

Queen Amina

Amina was a legendary 16th-century Nigerian queen who ruled the kingdom of Zazzau with remarkable ferocity and strategic brilliance. Born into nobility, she ascended to the throne after her brother's death, having prepared herself by training as a warrior—an extraordinary path for women of her era. Queen Amina refused to marry and dedicated her life to expanding her territory through military conquests, becoming one of history's most formidable female rulers. Her legacy as a fearless military strategist and leader earned her recognition as one of the greatest African women who helped shape world history. The name Amina has Arabic origins and carries the beautiful meaning of "trustworthy" or "safe and protected"—fitting attributes for a royal child destined for leadership.

Princess Anne

The name Anne carries a rich royal heritage throughout British history. Most notably, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was crowned queen in 1533 at her own insistence. In modern times, Princess Royal Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise stands as the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. She made history as the first member of the royal family to compete in the Olympics, participating in the Equestrian events at Montreal in 1976. Beyond her sporting achievements, Princess Anne has dedicated decades to humanitarian work, serving as the president of Save the Children for many years. The name Anne is the French variation of Ann, meaning "grace," and is traditionally believed to have been the name of the mother of the Virgin Mary, adding both religious and historical significance to this elegant royal name.

Queen Beatrix

Beatrix is the name of the former queen of the Netherlands who reigned from 1980 until 2013 when she abdicated in favor of her son, Willem-Alexander. The name has royal connections in the British monarchy as well, with Prince Andrew and Sarah, the Duke and Duchess of York, choosing the variation Beatrice for their daughter. Both Beatrix and Beatrice derive from Latin origins and carry the beautiful meaning "bringer of joy" or "she who brings happiness." The name combines regal heritage with a warm, positive connotation, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with royal pedigree.

Duchess Catherine

The name Catherine carries a rich royal heritage spanning centuries. Queen Catherine de' Medici, born into Italian nobility in 1519, became one of Europe's most influential women after marrying into the French royal family at just 14 years old. Her remarkable political acumen was evident as she witnessed all three of her sons ascend to the French throne during her lifetime. In modern royalty, Catherine (often called Kate) is embodied by the Princess of Wales, wife to Prince William who stands second in line to the British throne. The formidable Catherine the Great of Russia further cements this name's royal standing, having ruled as the country's longest-reigning female leader. Derived from the Greek word meaning "pure," Catherine appears in various spelling variations including Katherine, Kathryn, and Katarina, making it a versatile yet distinguished choice for parents seeking a name with royal gravitas.

Princess Charlotte

Charlotte Elizabeth Diana is the second child of Prince William and Princess Kate, born into the British royal family with a name steeped in regal history. The name Charlotte has appeared multiple times throughout the British monarchy, with the first notable royal Charlotte being Queen Charlotte, who married King George III in 1761. This elegant name is the feminine form of Charles, derived from Proto-Germanic roots meaning "free man." Princess Charlotte continues a legacy of strong royal women who have carried this distinguished name, representing both tradition and grace within the modern royal family.

Queen Elizabeth

Elizabeth stands as a cornerstone name in royal history, particularly for the British monarchy. The name belonged to two of Britain's most powerful and long-reigning monarchs: Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled during the prosperous Elizabethan era, and Queen Elizabeth II, whose historic 70-year reign made her the longest-serving British monarch. Following her recent passing, many parents worldwide are choosing this regal name to honor her legacy. The name continues its royal tradition with Belgium's Princess Elisabeth, heir to the Belgian throne. The tradition extends to younger generations as well, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle choosing Lilibet for their daughter—a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's childhood nickname used by her closest family members.

Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret was the younger sister of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England and Countess of Snowdon. Known for her vibrant personality and independent spirit, Margaret's character portrayal in the award-winning Netflix drama The Crown has captivated audiences worldwide. The name also has royal connections in other European monarchies, including Denmark where Queen Margrethe II currently reigns. The name Margaret derives from the Greek word 'margarites' meaning 'pearl,' symbolizing purity and precious value. Throughout history, the name has been chosen for princesses and queens across various royal houses, making it a timeless choice for parents seeking a name with regal heritage and elegant charm.

Sophia

Queen Sofía of Spain was born a princess of Greece and Denmark before ascending to the Spanish throne in 1975 when her husband, Juan Carlos I, became king. The elegant name is also carried by Sophie, the Countess of Wessex and Forfar, who is married to Prince Edward, the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Derived from Greek origins meaning "wisdom," Sophia has captivated parents worldwide with its regal elegance and timeless appeal. Its popularity has remained remarkably steady in the United States, where it has consistently ranked among the top 10 baby names for girls for more than a decade, making it a truly royal choice with widespread admiration.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria ascended to the British throne in 1837 when she was just 18 years old and went on to reign for nearly 64 years, becoming one of the most influential monarchs in history. Her great-great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, surpassed this record by ruling for 70 years until her death in 2022. The term "Victorian era" commemorates Victoria's lengthy reign, a period marked by tremendous cultural, political, scientific, and industrial advancement in Great Britain. The name Victoria itself carries royal weight, appropriately derived from the Latin word for "victory." Today, the name remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with both historical significance and regal elegance.

Lady Zara

Zara is a name with royal connections, most notably as the name chosen for the late Queen Elizabeth's first granddaughter, Zara Anne Elizabeth Tindall (née Phillips), daughter of Princess Anne. The name was reportedly suggested by her uncle, now King Charles. While its exact origin remains debated, Zara may derive from the Hebrew name Sarah, meaning "princess" – quite fitting for a royal connection. Alternatively, it could come from Arabic origins meaning "flower" or "bright." Despite its royal associations, the name carries a modern, vibrant quality that works beautifully for any little girl destined for greatness.

Royal baby boy names

Prince Albert

The name Albert carries a distinguished royal heritage across European monarchies. Prince Albert II currently serves as the sovereign ruler of Monaco, where as the head of a principality, he holds a status equivalent to kingship. The name gained particular prominence in British royal history through Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who married Queen Victoria and became Prince Consort. Their deep bond influenced many royal traditions that continue today. Derived from Germanic origins meaning "noble" and "bright," Albert conveys qualities of wisdom and dignity, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with royal gravitas and historical significance.

Archie

Archie gained international recognition when it was chosen as the name for the first son of the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle. Breaking from traditional royal naming conventions, his full name, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, reflects his heritage as the great-grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth II and grandson of King Charles III. The name Archie derives from the German name Archibald, carrying the powerful meaning of "genuine and bold." While not historically common among British royalty, this charming and approachable name brings a modern touch to royal nomenclature, perfectly balancing casual appeal with dignified heritage.

King Charles

Charles is a distinguished name with a rich royal heritage dating back centuries. First appearing in English monarchy with Charles I who ruled from 1625 to 1649, this regal name has adorned numerous European crowns throughout history. Most notably, it belongs to Britain's current monarch, King Charles III, who ascended to the throne following the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The name derives from Germanic origins meaning "free man" or "manly," reflecting strength and nobility. Throughout the centuries, Charles has maintained its aristocratic appeal while remaining timelessly elegant, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with royal gravitas and historical significance.

Sultan Farouk

Sultan Farouk was a prominent 20th-century Egyptian royal figure who ruled as King of Egypt and Sudan. Born into royalty as a sultan of Albanian descent, he ascended to the throne at just 16 years of age, taking the full title "His Majesty Farouk I, by the grace of God, King of Egypt and Sudan." Initially beloved by his subjects, King Farouk developed a reputation for his extravagant lifestyle and love of luxury. However, his popularity gradually declined throughout his reign, eventually leading to his forced abdication. He spent his remaining years in exile in Italy. The name Farouk, which can also be spelled as Farooq or Farrokh, carries the meaningful definition of "one who distinguishes between right and wrong." Interestingly, this regal name was also the birth name of legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, adding a modern royal connection to this historically significant name.

Prince George

George Alexander Louis is the first-born son of William and Kate, Prince and Princess of Wales. The name carries significant royal heritage, having been chosen by six former British kings as well as two kings of Greece. The name George derives from Greek origins meaning "farmer" or "earthworker." As the future heir to the British throne, Prince George continues the tradition of strong, historically significant royal names that connect him to his distinguished ancestry while maintaining a classic, timeless appeal that resonates with both tradition and modern sensibilities.

King James

The name James carries a distinguished royal lineage, most notably through King James VI of Scotland who later became James I of England. This influential monarch ascended to the Scottish throne in 1567 when he was merely 13 months old after his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate. When Queen Elizabeth I died without an heir in 1603, James united the crowns of Scotland and England. His most enduring legacy is perhaps the King James Bible, commissioned in 1604 and completed in 1611, which became the standard religious text throughout the English-speaking Protestant world and remains influential to this day.

Prince Louis

Louis Arthur Charles of Wales is the youngest son of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, making him fifth in line to the British throne. Born on April 23, 2018, Prince Louis was named in honor of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was a mentor to his great-grandfather, Prince Philip. The name Louis has French origins and means "renowned warrior" or "famous in battle." It has been used as a middle name for both his father, William, and his brother, Prince George, highlighting its significance within the royal family. Despite his young age, Prince Louis has already charmed the public with his playful personality during royal appearances.

Philip

Philip is a name with a prestigious royal heritage around the world. King Philippe currently reigns in Belgium, while Spain has King Filipe (the Spanish variation). The name gained particular significance in British royalty through Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II. His remarkable life spanned nearly a century until his passing in 2021, making him both the oldest male member of British royalty and the longest-serving royal consort in history. The name Philip derives from Greek origins, combining "philos" (friend) and "hippos" (horse) to mean "friend of horses" - a fitting name for a royal lineage where equestrian traditions hold special importance. Throughout history, the name has been carried by kings, princes, and nobles across Europe, making it an enduring classic for baby boys with royal aspirations.

Sundiata

Sundiata is the given name of the legendary 13th-century king and founder of the Mali Empire in West Africa, Sundiata Keita. Pronounced soon-JAH-tuh, this powerful royal name carries tremendous historical weight and meaning. Known as the "Lion Prince" due to his ability to transform into a lion according to oral traditions, Sundiata overcame significant early-life challenges to become one of Africa's most revered rulers. His extraordinary story, preserved through generations of oral historians called griots, is widely believed to have inspired elements of Disney's The Lion King. The name Sundiata itself means "hungry lion," reflecting the strength, courage, and regal nature associated with this remarkable historical figure.