Names

Short form of Arnold.

Means “grace, mercy” in Finnish.

Latinized form of a Germanic name that was probably derived from the element ermen meaning “whole, universal”. Other theories claim that it is related to Herman. Arminius was a 1st-century chief of the Germanic tribe of the Cherusci. Raised in Rome as a hostage, he eventually became a citizen and joined the army. However, he turned against the Empire, leading the Germans in a surprise attack in the Teutoburg Forest and driving the Romans from Germania.

Modern form of Arminius.

Hungarian form of Arminius.

French form of Armida. This is the name of operas by Jean-Baptiste Lully (in 1686) and Christoph Willibald Gluck (in 1777), both of which were based on Jerusalem Delivered by Torquato Tasso.

Probably created by the 16th-century Italian poet Torquato Tasso for his epic poem Jerusalem Delivered (1580). In the poem Armida is a beautiful enchantress who bewitches many of the crusaders.

Derived from the name of the country of Armenia (which is in fact named Հայաստան (Hayastan) in Armenian).

Feminine form of Armel.

Breton and French form of the Brythonic name Arthmael, which was composed of the elements arth “bear” and mael “prince, chieftain”. This was the name of a 6th-century Welsh saint who founded abbeys in Brittany.