In the great immortal words of Bill Clinton, let’s get down to the brass tacks here.
What do you name the future King or Queen of England?
That’s right. Kate Middleton has gone and gotten herself knocked up, no doubt about to influence maternity fashion and nursery design the world over. But what about baby names? IF her fashion sense and the way she carries herself can be any indicator, we can expect a solid, traditional choice that is also fashion forward.
The name does have to get approved so those lying in hopeful wait for Holiday or Bear will be sorely disappointed. Names that get a thumbs up are result of process of elimination. The royal child will likely have a royal name that isn’t currently used by any immediate family members. Likewise, names that get an immediate “NO” are those that are already taken by immediate family members and whose association is too strong. The Queen gets ultimate veto power over a name, so expect the name to be used historically in the royal family.
Middles are perhaps easiest to predict. A boy surely will have Charles and Philip as part of his name, with the addition possibly of Michael, Catherine’s father. Coincidentally, Charles and Philip honor Catherine’s mother Carole and sister Philippa Charlotte as well. A no brainer. A girl will likely have Elizabeth and Diana as a middle name, and in addition to being the reigning queen, Elizabeth happens to be Catherine’s middle name as well. But don’t hold out hope for Diana as a first name. She was far too controversial, and remember, the queen gets veto power.
YES: George
NO: Andrew, Charles, Edward, Henry, James, John, Louis, Peter, Philip
MAYBE: Arthur, William
OUTLIERS: Albert, Alfred, Christian, Frederick, Stephen
MIDDLES: Charles, Michael, Philip, William
YES: Alice, Elizabeth, Victoria
NO: Anne, Beatrice, Diana, Eugenie, Louise, Margaret, Philippa, Sarah, Sophie, Wilhelmina
MAYBE: Alexandra, Eleanor, Frances, Helena, Jane, Mary
OUTLIERS: Adelaide, Albertine, Alexandrina, Amelia, Augusta, Catherine, Caroline, Cecily, Charlotte, Helena, Edith, Georgia, Henrietta, Louisa, Matilda, Michaela, Olive, Rose, Sophia
MIDDLES: Elizabeth, Carole, Caroline, Charlotte, Diana
I suspect George Charles Philip Michael for a boy and Alice Elizabeth Diana Carole for a girl. But how fun would it be to have a Princess Helena or Princess Henrietta? I just read that Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria, founded the Red Cross. Seems worthy of a namesake, no?
What do you think the royal couple will choose? Let’s have fun with combos, shall we?
{ 84 comments… read them below or add one }
Boy: George Charles Michael Phillip
Girl: Charlotte Victoria Diana Elizabeth
Charlotte is eternally beautiful. I have a couple of reservations with this name: The Princess of Monaco, and the fact that it honors his father, which I’m not sure he will do. I wouldn’t be flabbergasted by the choice or anything, and I love the name. Though it may suit Catherine’s style more than Alice, and honors her mother and sister in a roundabout way. I wonder?
I like your picks a lot!
I have a George Frederick myself. So I fancy George Frederick Charles Philip.
I definitely agree that Elizabeth and Diana will be middle names for a girl – and not first names. I have a harder time guessing a girl’s name and there are more possibilities. I do like Alice a lot. I think Mary would be a nice choice too. Mary Diana Elizabeth Caroline. I’m not good on the 4 name combinations! It’s hard to get the flow right. Henrietta or Edith would be lovely too.
How stressful would it be to have your grandmother-in-law / the Queen have to approve your choice of name?!?
See, I was just in Glasgow and Mary Queen of Scots was *everywhere*! I would like to think of Mary as a nod to the time Kate and Wills spent at St. Andrews, but often MQOS was a not so subtle “up yours” to the English.
Still, maybe Mary as a gesture towards keeping the UK united, what with the Scottish Independence vote coming up in a few years?
Personally, I would LOVE to see Kate’s family honored. Maybe a Poppy or Pippa or Philippa or Penelope somewhere in the mix for her sister? Alice Penelope Mary Diana has a nice ring to it.
‘Cause the Queen has no say whatsoever what the child’s name is nor does she have to approve of it. It’s William’s and Catherine’s choice alone.
I would love to see Victoria or Mary. Imagine how popular Mary could become again if Catherine and William would select it. Mary Elizabeth Diana Victoria…
I would love to see them bring back Mary!
Just wondering what makes you suggest Alice? It doesn’t seem like a very royal name compared to those often used historically: Elizabeth, Victoria, Anne, Mary, Margaret, Catherine etc. It seems rather the odd one out to me!
Princess Alice was the mother of Prince Philip and the sister of Louis, Lord Mountbatten. At least I think I’ve got that right.
Yes, this!
Love your blog, I think you’re right on the money with these predictions.
It’s brass tacks (not tax), by the way. As in the fundamental or essential ideas of a topic- derived from the literal pieces of brass that served as the foundation of upholstery on older furniture.
Thank you.
There is certainly no shortage of beautiful classic names, and beautiful classic Royal names at that. Wouldn’t it be fun if a new one like Violet could pass inspection? Hmm…Queen Violet…or at least Queen Rose…
Carole doesn’t seem particiularly like English Royalty to me. I suspect Caroline or Charlotte might better fit the bill.
I can’t imagine a Queen Olive.
Alice couldn’t be more lovely! And Alfred would be a great one to resurrect from historical coffers.
I could imagine Georgina or Georgiana rather than Georgia.
I couldn’t imagine a better name for a boy who would be king than Arthur!
If they call and ask me I might suggest:
Louisa Charlotte Elizabeth Diana or
Arthur Philip Louis Charles
but the possibilities are endless!
Oh and I would love the possibility of having a Queen Jane someday.
Supposedly Olive Lupton is an ancestor of both William and Kate, and they are fifteenth cousins. I agree this would be shocking, and is quite the wild card here. Love Georgina, Rose, Jane and Louisa. Violet doesn’t feel royal enough to me, but I could be wrong? What about Lily, in honor of Lilibet (Queen Elizabeth’s nickname)?
I was thinking the same thing about Arthur!
Ooooooo I wonder about Rose. It is England’s national flower, right? And wasn’t Diana called England’s Rose? (I seem to recall that song Elton John sung at her funeral saying goodbye england’s rose.) The name Rose could work on so many levels! And it sounds so classic and elegant. Yes, Rose gets my vote!
I was sort of thinking the same way you were. I love the idea of the royal baby having a name that seems royal and yet still manages to stand out, at least for a girl.
If they called me, I would suggest Cecilia or Cecily (But I haven’t researched their ancestors so perhaps that is a good idea because I wouldn’t be surprised if either one had an ancestor with one of these names).
I like your suggestion of Louisa.
I’m not as sure with boys. I suggested Bertram, but that was more for the surprise element; I’m not sure they would ever go for that. But George is a great choice.
Frederick Michael William George
Mary Charlotte Elizabeth Victoria
These are really good. You don’t think they’ll use Diana in the middle?
As there is already a Prince Frederick of Denmark, who happens to be married to the lovely Princess Mary, neither of these are likely!
I think we can safely rule out repeating any of the names of current European royalty – it’s too small a pond.
I’m holding out for a little Matilda. There are a few royals by that name in history, but it’s not super common. I agree with Diana and Elizabeth as middles, and maybe we can sneak Alice in there?
As for boys, I do like Frederick. George is nice, but I think Frederick is more their style. I wouldn’t be surprised to see George as a middle though, along with any of the following: Arthur, Philip, Michael, and Charles.
Boy: Frederick Philip Arthur George
Girl: Matilda Elizabeth Diana Alice
And on both of those, the middles could really go in any order, depending on how you like the flow.
Love those!
What about Spencer for a boy? It would honor Diana, but not super-obviously. (Though, I’m sure all Brits would clearly see the connection.)
I’ll eat my hat if they use Spencer at all. Royals don’t do surnames, and remember, QEII gets veto power! She and Diana weren’t exactly bosom buddies.
I hope they use Spencer in the boys name. Actually I’m sure they will:)
So they couldn’t use Charles? That would be my guess if it’s not off the table
Joseph Charles Michael Spencer
Alexander Charles Spencer Henry
Alexander Henry Charles James
Spencer William James Charles
Spencer Henry Charles James
Spencer Charles James Henry
Louis spencer James charles
Louis Alexander Henry James
Alice Josephine elizabeth Diana.
Amelia Elizabeth Diana Mary
Alice Diana Elizabeth Mary
Frances Mary Elizabeth grace (this is my favorite)
Mary Elizabeth frances may
I would love to see Abigail too.
Abigail Frances Elizabeth Grace
Charlotte Frances Elizabeth Grace( like this One too)
Charlotte Elizabeth Frances Mary
Kate could use Julianna, Eleanor or Sophia.
They probably won’t use Charles in such quick succession as a first, especially with such a complex history.
Love Charlotte Elizabeth Frances Mary!
So great to see a breakdown of all the yes, no and maybe names!! I can’t believe how many people are predicting that a girl would be named Diana – there’s just no way that’s going to happen! I definitely think Diana will appear somewhere in the middle though.
I have a strong feeling that Kate will have a girl, and I’m predicting Alexandra as the most likely first name contender, with Helena or Sophia as unner-up possibilities (I also think your suggestion of Alice is a strong possibility, and one I’d love to see). My guess for a combo is:
Alexandra Elizabeth Diana Carole
or
Helena Elizabeth Diana Carole
or your suggestion, Elisabeth, of Alice Elizabeth Diana Carole.
While I could see Victoria replacing Carole as a strong middle name contender, I definitely don’t think they will choose Victoria as a first name, as I just keep thinking about how famous Victoria Beckham is in England, and the fact that she and David Beckham are kind of thought of as ‘the chav royal family’ over there! Given that William and Kate know/are possibly friends with the Beckhams too, I just don’t think they would use Victoria.
For a boy, I am going to guess Frederick Charles Michael Philip.
I didn’t even think of Victoria Beckham! She’s all “Posh” to me. That does kind of push Mary to the foreground, doesn’t it? Along with Alexandra, Alice, and Helena. Maybe Charlotte. This is a puzzle! I love Frederick Charles Michael Philip, what a great flow! And I also like that it only shares one name with his father, William Arthur Philip Louis. Harry’s full name is Henry Charles Albert David.
That biographer who seems to know a lot about the royal family, Andrew Morton, has predicted a girl would be named Diana!
So now there’s some talk that her condition suggests the possibility of twins. How could that change things name wise? I shudder thinking of coming up with 8! names for twin royal babies! Is Victoria really off the table? I’d love a little Victoria Elizabeth Diana Caroline!
I am predicting a girl. Alexandra Elizabeth…
I like Helena, Caroline or Sophia for the first name if it’s a girl and Frederick or Arthur if it’s a boy.
I doubt they would use Catherine if it’s a girl considering it’s her mother’s name!
I’m hoping for helena or Sophia too.
And Charlotte. For the first name slot anyways.:)
Freddy is camilla’s grandson right? so they wouldn’t use ‘Frederick’ as he would also be called Freddie?
Brilliant call. Just looked it up. Camilla does indeed have a grandson named (just) Freddy! So we can probably eliminate that, as well as Gus, Louis, and Lola, the names of her other grandchildren. Lola was not high on my list to begin with.
Nice call. Darn. I was holding out for a little Prince Freddie. I guess that leaves George as my first pick. Is Louis still usable as a middle, even with Camilla’s grandson?
Diana and Carole are kinda difficult to keep the name flowing nicely. But I’m sure all the names won’t matter. Frances is Diana’s MN. Francis is Kate’s dad MN. Elizabeth is Kate and her mom’s. And it covers many on the royal side.
I would guess William won’t be in their sons name. And if the honor one of their brothers they’d prob honor both. So maybe James and Henry. Same goes with their dad. Michael and Charles or neither. But the queen decides and she married her cousin. 1st cousin. So she is all about being proper….I wonder if she’ll be harder on Kate with all the negative history she had with Diana.
From a modern (and traditionalist) naming perspective, it would be better for flow if they used Frances and Elizabeth in lieu of Diana and Carole, I completely agree. Or maybe something like Helena Frances Elizabeth Caroline? Helena gets the Greek in there, and inserting Diana’s middle name of Frances would be a sneaky way of representing her first in the name.
Very excited for the royal couple!
My guesses for the little prince or princess are-
Louis Henry Spencer James Charles
or
Phoebe Elizabeth Diana Charlotte Mary
It’s great news and I’m looking forward to hearing what they eventually choose!
Now that I know that Camilla has a grandson Freddy I retract Frederick as the first name – and not including Diana or Frances was an oversight on my part. I’m pretty sure they’ll use Will’s mother’s first or middle name.
George Arthur Michael William
Mary Charlotte Frances Elizabeth
Mary Charlotte Frances Helena
Spencer as a first name is definitely a no-go – feuds with Earl Spencer aside, it would be considered a bit declasse.
I don’t see Arthur being used as a first name either. There have been two Prince Arthurs in the direct line of succession for the throne – the first was probably murdered by his uncle John, the second died young (after marrying Catherine of Aragon). I think it’s been considered a bit of a bad-luck name for princes ever since – there will only be ONE Rex Quondam et Futuris, apparently!
My vote goes to George or Philip for a boy, Mary for a girl.
Some of these guesses are hilarious. Remember this is a future king or queen your talking about. An heir to the throne will be named differantly to any other member of the royal family.
Prince Charles will allegedly be King George Vii when crowned, so this may rule George out. They apparently can’t use John or Arthur for superstitious reasons, or David or James for family reasons. Henry seems like a good bet to me as the brothers are close and there hasn’t been a King Henry for a while.
For girls, I imagine Diana will be there in the middle, and Elizabeth might even be a first name. As there have been far fewer Queens than Kings, they’ll have more to play with there.
I don’t know if anyone else is taking notice of the online betting, but it seems that most people think they are having a girl – does anyone know why, or are we all just hoping for a princess rather than a prince? (To be fair, we already have Princes William and Harry, and Princess Anne is a bit long in the tooth, so it’s understandable).
Because of the changes to the succession law, if it is a princess she will be in line to rule in her own right, even if she has brothers (and already has an uncle). A huge change after thousands of years.
Due to the unique nature of her position, I would love the hypothetical princess and queen-in-waiting to have a name that hasn’t been used for a ruling female monarch before (eg not another Elizabeth, Mary or Victoria).
A forlorn hope?
here’s my takes/faves ….
mary alice (do brits do the double name thing? if so, i think this is darling!)
mary
alice
charlotte
caroline
victoria
alexandra
helen
or
alfred
henry
stephen
joseph
(harder to find boys’ names that are up for grabs! esp with george and arthur possibly not on the list …)
i am glad to hear there is some protocol on the names because i do NOT want the baby named diana. nothing against her personally, just don’t think that’s the thing to do to this poor child if it’s a girl. definitely as a middle name but that’s way too much to put on a kid. will be very interesting to find out – hate having to wait so long!!
oops – forgot “alexander” on my boys list.
I think I read somewhere that double names are actually very popular in England, more popular than they are in the U.S. I think it was on the Baby Name Wizard, but I don’t have time to look it up.
BUT – double names might be popular among the commoners. I’m not sure if they would be acceptable in the royal family. Mary Alice is sweet though.
ps – what will the child’s “last name” be? (i know there’s not really a last name but still … william and harry use “wales” in the military right? or is it “windsor”?) just curious. thanks!
There’s a higher correlation of hyperemesis gravidarum with female fetuses. It’s not huge, but it switches the likelihood of a boy from 51% to 44%, so the slightly wiser bet is on girl. Plus there’s a lot more to work with when it comes to feminine names of English monarchs. There’s a lot less variety with the male names, and most of them are currently in use.
They might be able to squeeze in one non-royal, or more unusual royal name in as a middle name. Most scrutiny is paid to first names, and to the first born. If Kate’s absolute favorite name were something like Emily or Pearl, she might manage Mary Elizabeth Diana Pearl…or wait until she’s on her fourth or fifth daughter, by then she could use Emily as a first name. It’s still limited – she wouldn’t have as much freedom as Princess Anne’s son, who named his daughter Savannah.
It’s also good to remember that the Royal family is fond of nicknames, and it’s not uncommon for members to go by their middle names. Queen Victoria’s actual first name was Alexandrina. Edward VIII was called David by friends and family. His younger brother was called Bertie, though he reigned as King George VI. So no matter what first name they choose for this child, on a daily basis he or she might be called by a short form or by one of his or her middle names. And then he or she might reign under yet another of his or her names.
girl:
Margaret Johanna Diana Carole
Mary Alice Charlotte Grace
Alice Charlotte Victoria Diana
Alexandra Diana Victoria Jane
boy:
Arthur James Michael Charles
James Thomas John Michael
George Albert Frederick Edward
Matilda Elizabeth Frances Marguerite “Tilly”
Arthur Michael Frederick Charles
No Amelia, I hope. The Dutch crown princess’ first name is Catharina-Amalia, but she’s called Amalia.
I’m sure in the end it they’ll choose something traditional (and therefore ‘boring’). It would be fantastic for us name bloggers if the royal baby were to be named Neveah of D’Willy. Can’t wait
Charlotte Diana Frances Elizabeth
George Henry Arthur Charles
I don’t think it’ll be Victoria because the Swedish Crown Princess is Victoria. Could get confusing, especially since Victoria is like the great-great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
I’m liking Albert, George, or Philip for a boy and Alexandra or Caroline for a girl. I’d really love to see a little Princess Eleanor though. So, my official guesses are:
Philip Charles Henry George
or
Alexandra Elizabeth Charlotte Diana
Another good call. No to Victoria. And I agree that Mary may be a little bit too much of a historical adversary to Elizabeth.
I assume they will use the name of a reigning Queen if they have a daughter.
So Elizabeth, Victoria, Anne, Mary, Jane. It didn’t turn out very well for Jane so they probably won’t use that. There is the crown Princess Victoria so no to Victoria. Mary hasn’t been used on a queen since William and Mary so that’s got a good chance. There has only been one Anne so that could work. and none of the close family members have used Elizabeth as a first name. Has it been held in reserve for a future Queen?
I’d vote for either Elizabeth or Mary as a first name.
oh I mean
I’d vote for Elizabeth, Mary or Anne as a first name, even though there is the Princess Royal.
Oh and is there a reason Richard or James isn’t in the running for a boy?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hewitt
that should answer your question for James!
William’s first cousin, HM The Queen’s youngest Grandson is called James. (Prince Edward’s son)
For some reason I really feel Alexandra for a girl, but I don’t know why.
I think Caroline is lovely but there is a Princess Caroline already, so I doubt it would be a first name.
Hmm… Alexandra Elizabeth Caroline Diana.
I’ll have to have a think for a boy name!
I would love to see a Princess Caroline!
Although…Princess Caroline HAS a Princess Alexandra! Arrgh! So maybe that’s out.
The Crown Prince of Denmark is Frederick and The Crown Princess is Mary. Not sure if this rules out either name, as they will likely reign in Denmark at a similar time to William and Catherine and not their children.
I think Alexandra may be out because Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is second in line to the throne. Princess Caroline of Monaco also has a daughter Princess Alexandra of Hanover. And there is also Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg. Is that too many Princess Alexandras?
*Frederick has already been given the no go as he’s Camilla’s grandson.
Frederick is the crown prince isn’t he! George still seems most likely via process of elimination, but I woudn’t be shocked if they surprise us. I don’t really think they’ll go with Alexandra. Alexandrina would be fun though.
I think for a girl:
(In order of which ones are best!!!)
1:Alice Elezabeth Diana Carole
2:Emily/Amelia/Amelie Elezabeth Diana Carole
3:Charlotte Elezabeth Diana Carole
I’ll have to think of some boy names!!!
Soz I spelt Elizabeth wrong!!! I’m making a tribute to their baby and marriage but I can’t finish it until about late July or the beginning if August!!!
….. I’m waiting July… Hurry up already!!!
I totally agree that it will be in the Alice region for a girl but I would LOVE for them to go with something more rare but still traditional: Princess Imogen or Iphigenia maybe.
How awesome would it be to have a Princess Iphigenia?
That’s a totally cool name but I could see the queen having some problems with it espeshally when it’s turn rolls around to be queen/king!!! It might not be so good for the birth chart!!! I hope it’s going to be a little princess!!! What do you lot think?!?!
Albert Michael Spencer George — Albert was Victoria’s husband and the given first name of the Queen’s Father. Michael for Catherine’s father, Spencer for Diana and George for tradition.
Alexandra or Caroline…then Elizabeth Mary Diana
Thoughts?
I think Elizabeth for a girl. Also, I could see a Florence as a middle name. I hope she uses Mary for the first name.
Girl: Alice Carole Rose
Boy: Louis William Stephen
My best friend since grade school is names Rose! She is a very nice!
I grew up in England! I’m a brit at heart!
I think for a girl:
Victoria Elizabeth Diana Caroline
Erika Mary-Elizabeth
Caroline Elizabeth
Makala Caronline
Laura Elizabeth
Elizabeth May
Helena Lynette
Kayleigh Elizabeth
Sofia Helen
Sofia Grace
Sofia Elizabeth
Catherine Elizabeth
for boys:
James William
James Lucas
Jack William
Christian James william
Hayden Philip
Stephen James
Charles william Fredericks
I love those names especially Sofia grace and James Lucas!!! I’m due in July with my first and it’s a girl!!! Any names?
Several names are already off the table, so to speak. I don’t think Eleanor is possible as the Infanta Lenor of Spain will likely rule at the same time as William and Kate’s child. I think George is the run away winner for a boy as its one of the few not in use. Albert is an outsider as it’s currently the name of the King of Monaco.
For a girl:
Alice Diana Elizabeth Victoria or Elizabeth Caroline Diana Margaret
For a boy:
George Philip Henry Charles or Albert Philip Charles George
My guesses:
Philip Charles Michael Earl
Alice Elizabeth Diana Carole
Alice Elizabeth Diana Caroline
Helena Alice Marina
George Philip Alexander
Oh Helena Alice Marina is GORGEOUS!!!
I agree! However…I just wonder whether the British Royals avoid a name ending in -a followed by a name beginning in a vowel, because they always make that r sound when they link the like, so instead of two separate names, i.e. Helena Alice, when they would say those names as one it would sound more like Helen-are-Alice (or Helen-or-Alice). Know what I’m sayin’?
I’ve always thought (even prior to the pregnancy being announced) that it would be a girl first…
Elizabeth Catherine Francis Charlotte
and then maybe twins including at least one boy but I’m thinking more likely twin boys.
Mary Elizabeth Diana Victoria
Albert Phillip Charles Louis
That’s it!
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