Finding the perfect name is hard. Honestly, it's exhausting. You want something that sounds strong but not "stiff." You want a name with a bit of history, but maybe not a name that smells like a dusty library. When people search for all the princess names, they usually fall into two camps: the Disney fans and the history buffs.
But there is a weird middle ground where real-life royalty meets pure legend.
Did you know that "Princess" itself wasn't even a title for the daughters of English kings until the 18th century? Before that, they were just called "The Lady [Name]." It sounds less like a fairy tale and more like a HR meeting.
The Heavy Hitters: Names You Already Know
Let’s start with the basics. If you look at the British royal family tree, it’s basically just the same five names on a loop. Elizabeth, Victoria, Mary, Anne, and Catherine. They aren't just names; they are brands.
Elizabeth is the ultimate survivor. It comes from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath." It’s been at the top of the charts for centuries because it’s flexible. You can be an Elizabeth, a Beth, a Libby, or a Bess.
Then there’s Victoria. 180°C heat couldn't melt the association people have with the 19th-century queen. It literally means "victory." For a long time, it was considered a "new" name in England—Queen Victoria’s mother brought it over from Germany, and the British public actually hated it at first. They thought it sounded "too French."
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Catherine (or Katherine, or Kate) is another one that never dies. It’s Greek for "pure." We’ve seen it on everyone from Catherine the Great of Russia to the current Princess of Wales. It’s the "jeans and a nice top" of princess names—it works everywhere.
The Disney Effect (And Where the Names Actually Come From)
Disney didn't just invent these names out of thin air. They grabbed them from folklore and history, then turned them into global icons.
- Aurora: Latin for "dawn." In Roman mythology, she was the goddess who flew across the sky to announce the sun.
- Ariel: This one is interesting. It’s Hebrew for "Lion of God." It was traditionally a male name (and still is in many cultures) before a red-headed mermaid made it the go-to for every 90s baby.
- Tiana: This is a shortened version of Christiana or Tatiana. In Greek, it basically means "princess." So, Princess Tiana is literally "Princess Princess."
- Moana: This means "ocean" or "deep sea" in Maori and Hawaiian. It’s a perfect example of how "all the princess names" has expanded to include beautiful non-European origins.
The Ones Everyone Forgets
If you want something that sounds royal but doesn't feel like you're trying too hard, you have to look at the "second tier" of historical names. These are the ones that were popular in palaces 200 years ago but feel fresh today.
Adelaide is a great example. She was a British queen in the 1830s, and the city in Australia is named after her. It means "noble nature." It’s got that "vintage-cool" vibe.
What about Beatrice? It’s Italian for "she who brings happiness." Princess Beatrice of York keeps it in the public eye now, but it’s a name that dates back to Dante’s Divine Comedy. It’s smart. It’s got layers.
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Eugenie is another one. It’s the feminine version of Eugene, meaning "well-born." It’s rare. In fact, recent data from 2024 and 2025 suggests it's one of the "riskiest" royal names in the UK—hardly anyone is using it. If you want unique, that’s your winner.
Names Meaning "Princess" (Without Being One)
Sometimes you don't want a name of a princess, you want a name that means princess.
- Sarah: This is the OG. In Hebrew, it literally means princess or noblewoman.
- Amira: An Arabic name that means "princess" or "commander." It’s incredibly popular across the Middle East and is starting to climb the charts in the US and Europe.
- Zara: This one has two roots. In Arabic, it means "blooming flower," but in Hebrew, it’s a variation of Sarah. Princess Anne chose this for her daughter, which was a huge scandal at the time because it wasn't "royal" enough.
Why Are We Still Obsessed With These Names?
Names are a shortcut to a vibe. When you name a kid Isabella or Charlotte, you're tapping into a legacy of power and grace. Charlotte is the feminine version of Charles (meaning "free man"). It’s been a staple in royal houses from France to England for centuries.
But trends are shifting. People are moving away from the "stuffy" versions. Instead of Victoria, we see Vicky or Tori. Instead of Margaret, we see Daisy (which is actually a traditional nickname for Margaret because Marguerite is French for daisy).
The "circulating naming pool" is a real thing. It means names go in and out of style faster than they used to. A name like Lilibet—the late Queen Elizabeth’s childhood nickname—was virtually unknown as a first name until Prince Harry and Meghan Markle used it. Now? It’s a talking point.
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What to Actually Do With This List
If you’re actually looking for a name, don't just pick one because it sounds "fancy." Look at the history.
- Check the flow. Say the name out loud with your last name. Anastasia is a gorgeous, "resurrection" meaning name, but if your last name is also five syllables, it’s going to be a mouthful on the school roster.
- Consider the "Great-Grandma" test. Does the name sound like a cool vintage find or just... old? Maud and Agatha are technically princess names, but they haven't quite made the "cool" comeback that Alice or Eleanor have.
- Look for semantic variations. If you love the meaning of a name but hate the sound, look at other languages. Isabella (Italian/Spanish) is just another version of Elizabeth. Vasilisa is the Russian equivalent of Basilissa, which means "queen."
The reality is that all the princess names are just a starting point. Whether you go with a classic like Sophie (meaning "wisdom") or something more modern like Raya, you're giving a child a piece of history to carry around.
Pick something that feels like it has a bit of weight to it. A name that can handle a boardroom as well as a playground. After all, most modern princesses spend more time doing charity work and attending meetings than sitting on thrones.
To find the right fit, try narrowing your search by culture—specifically looking into Old Norse or Sanskrit royal names, which offer a completely different phonetic profile than the standard Western European choices.