Old Tyrolean first names

Of fads and timeless classics

First names are subject to fashion trends that often reflect the zeitgeist of their era. In the 1990s, a wave of modern, international names such as "Kevin", "Jacqueline" or "Justin" also brought new sounds to Tyrol. These sometimes posed pronunciation challenges, especially for older generations, and did not always fit harmoniously with traditional Tyrolean surnames. In the 2000s, biblical names such as Daniel, Noah or Jacob characterised the naming process, while melodic endings, often Italian-inspired, became particularly popular with girls.

Traditional names are experiencing a renaissance

Despite all the trends, classic names such as Johannes, Matthias or Maria have retained their timeless popularity. Others, such as Karin, Edith or Günther, have become rarer. But like all fashions, these names could become fashionable again. After all, once old-fashioned names such as Emma have long since celebrated their comeback - perhaps Reinhard, Sabine and Herbert will soon be back in fashion too. Names tell stories, and their rediscovery is often an expression of individuality and the desire to keep traditions alive.

It is exciting to find out which first names were given in Tyrol 100 or 200 years ago - without the influence of television, which did not exist back then. A "personal top 10" list was therefore compiled based on an old Tyrolean genealogical table. Perhaps a few of these traditional first names will become modern again one day.

Old Tyrolean girls' names

1. Crescentia: Latin, "the growing one, the blossoming one"
2. Dorothea: ancient Greek, "gift of God"
3. Emerentia: Latin, "the worthy, the meritorious"
4. Filomena: ancient Greek, "she who remains faithful to love and friendship"
5. Genoveva: "the weaver of destiny"
6. Kunigunde: Old High German, "the gender, the struggle"
7. Ludmilla: Slavic "the gracious, the kind of the people"
8. Ottilie: Old High German "the possession, the wealth, the inheritance"
9. Scholastica: Latin "the pupil"
10. Zita (Felizitas): Latin "happiness, fertility, bliss"

Old Tyrolean boy names

1. Amadeus: Latin "the beloved of God"
2. Ambros: ancient Greek "immortal"
3. Baptist: Greek "the baptiser"
4. Cassian: Roman "from the family of the Cassians or the robbed one"
5. Cosmas: Greek "the adorned one, the one who loves order"
6. Pangraz: ancient Greek, "all-encompassing, powerful"
7. Silvester: Latin "man from the forest"
8. Stanislaus: Old Slavic "firmness, hardness, fame"
9. Urban: Latin, "the city dweller, the educated"
10. Walburg: Old High German, "ruler of a castle"