Back in the Middle Ages, names had a dual identity — the vernacular British form used in every day, and the Latinised form which graced official documents. Amata, Dionysius and Radulphus would be named in documents, but they'd be called Amy, Dennis and Ralph at home.
By the 18th century, names were generally recorded as they were spoken, but this gave a new life to Latinised names. Suddenly, the likes of Maria, Sophia and Clarissa were the the epitome of style, gracing many a romance novel or society belle.
Note: I should point out that the feminine names caught on. Olivia and Matilda updated old-timers Olive/Oliff and Maud, and Philippa and Juliana sounded grander than the medieval Philip and Julian (yes, for girls), but Guglielmus just wasn't going to cut it. We'd stick with William, thanks.
Many of these names are also standard in continental Europe, giving Latinate Lovelies a unique combination of styles: historic, romantic and exotic all in one.
| Adria Alicia Amata Amelia Amia Amicia Anna Annabella Arabella Avelina Avicia Beatrix |
Bella Carolina Caterina Cecilia Christiana Christina Clara Clarissa Constantia Dulcia Dorothea Eleanora |
Elena Eliza Eloisa Emelina Emilia Estella Eva Evelina Felicia Helena Henrietta Honoria |
Ilaria Isabella Isolda Joanna Julia Juliana Katharina Lecia Letitia Liliana Louisa Lucia |
Mabella Maria Mariana Matilda Olivia Philippa Rosa Sara Sibylla Sophia Valentina Violetta |
