Naming Customs of British Royalty, Favourite Name, Regnal Name and Numeration

[HRHHermione]

I think W&C will choose very traditional names with strong associations to the BRF.
I will be surprised if they use any names with a connection to the Spencers or his mum.

I would actually be surprised if their first daughter doesn't have Diana as a middle name.

William has shown many times that keeping his mother's memory alive is important to him and it would make sense as a middle name.

 

[Mariel]

Archduchess Zelia, I agree that the Gloucesters chose meaningful and euphonious names for their three children. "Rose Victoria" is a perfect name for a royal child, but I don't think W and C would use it over again, or maybe they would. I have already said that I would like to see a Scottish forebear honored in a child's name, and that could be Margaret, Margery, or Robert, not to mention James. Incidentally, I read that Margaret means pearl. It is said to have been an unusual name from Central Europe (Hungary probably) when Margaret of England, raised in the "Holy Roman Empire," returned to the British isles and married King Malcolm. Margaret had many sons, one of them David, who became David I--that would be a good name for a king but people on this forum have said it has bad associations due to the Duke of Windsor's abdication. The name Robert was repeated a number of times for Scottish kings in the Middle Ages, Robert the Bruce being probably the most famous, and the father of Margery.

 

[Tiggersk8]

I love how the Earl of Ulster, Lady Davina and Lady Rose have a Danish name (or at least names that have been somewhat popular here) each (Gregers, Benedikte and Birgitte) honouring their mother's side of the family. It's a real shame that the Duchess of Gloucester isn't more known here in Denmark, I don't even think the average Dane knows that she is Danish at all.

I also really like the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester's taste in names, all three of their children have really beautiful, traditional but yet special names.

I love that too. Lovely nod to their Mother's heritage.

I agree, I don't think that William and Catherine will use the name Diana as a first name, either, maybe as a third or fourth name; Harry maybe. BTW, Earl Spencer's new daughter is "Lady Charlotte Diana": Diana has been a Spencer family name for over 300 years.

Now that I hadn't heard. Last I heard, she was going to be Lady Diana. Thanks for the correction.

 

[Molly2101]

I'd love to see Alexander used as the first name of little first born Prince for William and Kate, but isn't it also the name of the Earl of Ulster? Maybe too soon if that is the case.

I really do hope that Charlotte makes a comeback, as it's just a lovely name and as others have said, could also be a tribute to Charles too. I also love Patrick/Patricia and neither one have been used in quite awhile either.

There were 3 Prince Edward's at a point (Earl of Wessex (who was 8 at the time of Duke of Windsor's death), Duke of Kent and Duke of Windsor) so another Alexander would not be a bad thing. Prince Alexander sounds lovely. I also hope Charlotte makes a comeback and it would be a nice tribute to Charles. I hadn't thought of it like that.

I can also see Sophie in there somewhere, as from the pictures I've seen, it looks like Kate and Sophie really get along well. Not only that, but w/the rumours of Sophie taking Kate under her wing after the Engagement, it would be a nice way to say "Thank you" to the Countess.

I would love it if they used Sophie for one of the middle names, as not only is a really nice name and becoming more and more popular again, it also has Royal history. It would be a nice tribute to Sophie, who if we are to believe the papers, has been a great help to Catherine. And we can see how much Catherine likes chatting to Louise, so it would be nice to see Sophie's name in their somewhere. Perhaps Sophie will be one of their children's Godmothers. The British Royals don't tend to use future Monarch's for their Godparent line-ups, so it would be nice to see Sophie chosen.

 

[principessa]

I guess they will choose names in the following way:

4 names will be given
- one name from the list of former kings and queens of the United Kingdom
- one name from the British Royal Family
- one name form the Spencer Family
- one name from the Middleton Family

 

[Artemisia]

I think it is a pretty done deal that the eldest child of William and Kate will be named after one of the previous King and Queens Regnant.

If a girl:
- Victoria is almost a certainty.
- Elizabeth may be a contender too.
- Personally, I'm hoping for one of the other names - Margaret, Anne, Mary or Mathilde
- Charlotte is not, strictly speaking, a name of a former Monarch but Princess Charlotte of Wales was destined to become Queen Regnant of Great Britain, had she not died at childbirth. Besides, a nice tribute to Prince Charles, as was already mentioned.
- They could also surprise by naming the baby after one of the previous Queens Consort - Isabella, Catherine, Alexandra, etc - but personally I find that unlikely.

If a boy, any of the names of the former Monarchs are strong possibilities with the possible exception of John (a not very happy name in the Royal Family) and Richard.

 

[camelot23ca]

I think it is a pretty done deal that the eldest child of William and Kate will be named after one of the previous King and Queens Regnant.

If a girl:
- Victoria is almost a certainty.
- Elizabeth may be a contender too.
- Personally, I'm hoping for one of the other names - Margaret, Anne, Mary or Mathilde
- Charlotte is not, strictly speaking, a name of a former Monarch but Princess Charlotte of Wales was destined to become Queen Regnant of Great Britain, had she not died at childbirth. Besides, a nice tribute to Prince Charles, as was already mentioned.
- They could also surprise by naming the baby after one of the previous Queens Consort - Isabella, Catherine, Alexandra, etc - but personally I find that unlikely.

If a boy, any of the names of the former Monarchs are strong possibilities with the possible exception of John (a not very happy name in the Royal Family) and Richard.

I would love to see a baby Elizabeth as I think it would be a wonderful tribute to William's grandmother, and it's the only name I think is a given to be included as one of the names, but I can see why they might decide to use something different as the first name.

I actually think all of the Cambridges' children, however many they wind up having, will have fairly traditional names, but I think they'll go Full Metal Future Monarch with baby number one.

 

[An Ard Ri]

I think it is a pretty done deal that the eldest child of William and Kate will be named after one of the previous King and Queens Regnant.

If a girl:
- Victoria is almost a certainty.
- Elizabeth may be a contender too.
- Personally, I'm hoping for one of the other names - Margaret, Anne, Mary or Mathilde
- Charlotte is not, strictly speaking, a name of a former Monarch but Princess Charlotte of Wales was destined to become Queen Regnant of Great Britain, had she not died at childbirth. Besides, a nice tribute to Prince Charles, as was already mentioned.
- They could also surprise by naming the baby after one of the previous Queens Consort - Isabella, Catherine, Alexandra, etc - but personally I find that unlikely.

If a boy, any of the names of the former Monarchs are strong possibilities with the possible exception of John (a not very happy name in the Royal Family) and Richard.

I'd really love to see Charlotte being used again,if not Elizabeth or Mary are also strong queenly contenders.

 

[Osipi]

I've been thinking about this now for a couple of days and its finally come to me what would be kind of a fitting name for William's daughter as a heir apparent. Its been used as a monarch's name in the male form and its been a Spencer family name. It'd be different yet fitting with traditions. So here is my pick.

Georgiana with her being called Gia perhaps? I'm still undecided about middle names but it gives me something to muse about.

 

[Artemisia]

It's a beautiful name, and one with a strong Spencer history. But I strongly doubt it will be chosen as a first name of William's first-born child. In all probability, they'll go for a name of one of the previous Queens Regnant to show continuity.

 

[Duke-of-Earl]

It's a beautiful name, and one with a strong Spencer history. But I strongly doubt it will be chosen as a first name of William's first-born child. In all probability, they'll go for a name of one of the previous Queens Regnant to show continuity.

If equal primogeniture isn't passed, does this give more latitude for names since a first-born girl (provided they have a boy) wont be queen?

 

[Artemisia]

If equal primogeniture isn't passed, does this give more latitude for names since a first-born girl (provided they have a boy) wont be queen?

Even if Equal Primogeniture isn't passed by the time the first-born child (a girl) is born, I think it's safe to assume it will be passed at some point afterwards, and passed retroactively to include William's already-born children (the Swedish scenario). Bearing that in mind, I think William and Kate will go down the safe root and choose a name of a previous Queen Regnant. Besides, even if Equal Primogeniture is not passed, there is always a chance the couple won't have sons and so the girl will succeed William anyway.

Of course, they can be slightly more imaginative and instead of Mary, Elizabeth, Anne or Victoria - names of undisputed English/British Queens Regnant - go for something (relatively) more unusual, such as Matilda and Jane (both disputed Queens), Margaret (Queen of Scotland), Alexandrina (it was, after all, Queen Victoria's first given name), Grace (after Grace O'Mailley, Queen of Umaill - but given that Umaill was in Ireland and Grace was a pirate, it's highly unlikely).

Personally, I would really love to see a Margaret II or Victoria II one day, should William and Kate's first-born be a girl.

 

[Duke-of-Earl]

^^^ Time for another Victoria, I agree.

 

[principessa]

Will the names be announced in the same announcement in which the birth will be announced?

 

[Artemisia]

Will the names be announced in the same announcement in which the birth will be announced?

Usually, no. British Royals announce babies' names fairly quickly but not in the birth announcement.



The official statement regarding the birth of James, Viscount Severn on 17 December 2007:

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex today was safely delivered of a baby boy by caesarean section at 4.20pm, at Frimley Park NHS Hospital in Surrey. The weight of the baby was 6lbs 2oz. The Earl of Wessex was present.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, and Mr Christopher Rhys-Jones, have been informed and are delighted with the news.
The medical team attending Her Royal Highness were Mr Marcus Setchell (Surgeon Gynaecologist to The Queen); Mr Gareth Beynon (Consultant Obstetrician/gynaecologist); Dr Abdus Malik (Consultant Neonatologist), Mrs Grazia Sanar (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner); Dr Claire Edkins (Consultant Anaesthetist) and Mrs Adrienne Price (Head of Midwifery) and Mrs Mandy Kriehn (Operating Department Practitioner).
The Countess of Wessex is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.
Their Royal Highnesses already have one daughter, The Lady Louise, who was born at Frimley Park NHS Hospital on 8th November 2003.
This baby is The Queen's eighth grandchild, and the eighth in line to the Throne.

The announcement of the baby's names from 21 December 2007:

The names chosen by The Earl and Countess of Wessex for their son are James Alexander Philip Theo.

In James' case, his names were announced 4 days after he was born.

 

[MichelleQ2]

William's took a little longer - 7 days. Was born on Monday, June 21, 1982 and the announcment of his name came out the following Monday, June 28th.

 

[sarahedwards2]

William's took a little longer - 7 days. Was born on Monday, June 21, 1982 and the announcment of his name came out the following Monday, June 28th.

Anne's name wasn't known until August 29, 1950 - 2 weeks after she was born.

 

[padams2359]

I think Anne (too close) and Mary (Bloody Catholic Mary) are out. Elizabeth and Victoria are definate contenders.

 

[NGalitzine]

^^^^^
Well we have had a reigning Queen Mary since Mary Tudor so I don't think that is a problem.

 

[camelot23ca]

I love the name 'Margaret' but wonder if it might not be seen as now belonging, so to speak, to Princess Margaret's branch of the family.

Maybe Eleanor?

 

[padams2359]

Eleanor would great. If you are referring to Mary of Teck, she was not a Regent.

 

[Molly2101]

Anne's name wasn't known until August 29, 1950 - 2 weeks after she was born.

Louise's names weren't released for about 2 weeks either.

 

[Spheno]

Eleanor would great. If you are referring to Mary of Teck, she was not a Regent.

Mary II (30 April 1662 – 28 December 1694) was joint Sovereign of England, Scotland, and Ireland with her husband (who was also her first cousin), William III and II, from 1689 until her death.
Mary II of England - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[NGalitzine]

Eleanor would great. If you are referring to Mary of Teck, she was not a Regent.

I wasn't referring to Mary of Teck. I referred to Queen Mary II, joint monarch with William III.

 

[AdmirerUS]

I spent some time looking at family trees. Many names repeat in categories. What I came up with is below - note that I included most female consort names as Royal Family names - but many could also be considered as former queens. The Middletons provide many choices, though many of the names do repeat over generations. I'm sure I missed a name or two - but do enjoy the variety.

4 names will be given
- one name from the list of former kings and queens of the United Kingdom
- one name from the British Royal Family
- one name form the Spencer Family
- one name from the Middleton Family
BOY
Former kings: Henry, Edward, George, John, Richard, William,
British Royal Family Names: Edward, George, Albert, Andrew, Charles, Richard,
Spencer Family Names: Winston, Charles, John, Henry, Robert, Randolph, George, Frederick, Edward
Middleton Family Names: Michael, Peter, Richard, Ronald, Francis, Stephen, Charles, James, Thomas, John, Noel, Edward, Henry, William, Clarke, Thomas, George, John

GIRL
Former Queens: Elizabeth, Victoria, Mary
British Royal Family Names: Anne, Elizabeth, Catherine, Alexandra, Charlotte, Caroline, Alice, Philippa, Margaret, Matilde,
[FONT=&quot]Alexandrina, Helena, Louise, Beatrice [/FONT]
Spencer Family Names: Anne, Georgiana, Diana, Adelaide, Harriette
Middleton Family Names: Carole, Frances, Harriet, Dorothy, Edith, Philippa, Elizabeth, Valerie, Jane, Olive

 

[Artemisia]

...
GIRL
Former Queens: Elizabeth, Victoria, Mary...

Excellent lists!
One thing though: you can add Anne, Matilda, Margaret and Jane to the list of former Queens (although, in Matilda's and Jane's case, their reign was disputed).

 

[AdmirerUS]

Excellent lists!
One thing though: you can add Anne, Matilda, Margaret and Jane to the list of former Queens (although, in Matilda's and Jane's case, their reign was disputed).

Yes, Artemisia, work was tough today and I am tired and so I was not fussy about the Royal Family vs. Queen name categorization.

I do like Jane and I think it has gone "unloved" when choosing names. I also like Spenser as a name and think Winston or Churchill would be a cool nod to former inter-family relationships (though I doubt any royal would give a nod to a former PM).

What surprised me was the multiple appearance of Philippa - though I doubt it would be chosen.

Overall - it is an interesting thing to consider.

 

[Artemisia]

I'm suffering from insomnia and, as is usual for me in such cases, nitpick on details.
Philippa is an interesting possibility, thanks for drawing attention to it. It will perhaps not be chosen for the first-born daughter but why not for the younger ones? Quite apart from Kate's sister, the name has also a history as a рoyal name (for instance, there was Philippa of Hainault, Edward III's Queen).

 

[sarahedwards2]

I just noticed that King Edward VIII had the names of all four saints in his name (George - England; Andrew - Scotland; David - Wales and Patrick - Ireland). I also noticed that all four of Prince Andrew, Duke of York's names are in Edward's! (Andrew Albert Christian Edward)

 

[Artemisia]

I never actually noticed the significance of Edward VIII's names, thanks for pointing out! Pity it didn't help him much though.