What Is Your Royal Name?

An ancient Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'rich guard,' Edward has been a popular name among nobility for over 1,000 years! No less than eleven British rulers have been Edwards, as well as countless dukes, counts, and earls. Edward is not only the elegant name of real-life debonair gentlemen but is also attached to many dashing and handsome heroes. Think Edward Rochester from the classic romance novel 'Jane Eyre' and Twilight's Edward Cullen, to name just two. Any would-be queens with this result should take the name Edwina, which means 'rich friend,' or as the Urban Dictionary defines the name, a 'contradicting personality fueled by a flammable zest for life'!

With its roots in the old German for 'home ruler,' Harry comes from the popular royal name Henry. But we think the rascally element attached to Harry suits you better than the more formal form! No less than four French, seven German, and eight English kings have been called Henry or Henri, and most were known as Harry to their friends and family. Not a name for a shy and retiring noble gentleman, the infamous British King Henry VIII was often called Good King Harry, and his flagship was known as the Great Harry. And, of course, no one knows the current Prince Harry by his given name of Henry, and the young royal seems to be living up to the rapscallion reputation of his forebearers! Any female Harrys with this result can take the more elegant and stately name Henriette or Henrietta, which comes from exactly the same root.

An upstanding and virtuous royal name, James was the name of two Christian saints and the brother of Jesus, before being adopted by royalty as a regal name. As well as being the name of many Scottish and English Kings, there have been six American presidents named James, adding to the image of the name as one for noble and influential men. But, of course, the quintessential James is Ian Fleming's 007. So next time someone asks you your name, just give them a steely stare and say 'Bond, James Bond.' Members of the more sensual sex take the female Jacqueline, from Jacques, the French version of James. Famous Jackies include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who is about as close to a royal as any American has ever been.

First used as an honorary title for the Greek goddess Hera, Alexandra is a name that has been held by powerful women throughout history. Living up to the name's meaning of 'one who comes to save warriors,' famous Alexes include queens, tzarinas, and empresses, all known for their beauty and power. The first queen to bear the name Alexandra was Salome Alexandra, or Alexandra of Jerusalem, who ruled the independent kingdom of Judah from 76 to 67 BCE. And the Princess Alexandra, cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and youngest granddaughter of King George V, is keeping the name alive in the modern British royal family. Men with this result have just as strong a lineage for their royal name, with King Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, known for being the greatest military commander in history and builder of an empire that stretched from Greece to Northern India. 'one who comes to save warriors

Pronounced BEE-a-tris and meaning 'she who brings happiness,' the name Beatrice has always been a staple for royal princesses. Queen Victoria's youngest daughter was named Beatrice, and Princess Beatrice of York is currently the second female in line for the British throne. Known for their grace and style, famous fictional Beatrices embody the classical virtues associated with the name and include Dante's guide to Paradise, embodying the spirit of love in 'The Divine Comedy,' and the witty, high-spirited heroine of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing.' There's no male equivalent for the name Beatrice, but the royal moniker that embodies the same spirit would be William. Meaning 'protector of desire,' famous Williams include William the Conqueror, first king of Britain, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and current heir-in-waiting to the British throne.

A variation of Elizabeth, meaning 'god is abundance,' Isabella was a favorite name of medieval European queens. Famous Isabellas include the powerful Queen Isabella I of Castile, who during her reign established Spain as an international power, thanks in part to her foresight in sponsoring the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus's 1492 trip across the Atlantic to the New World. That's some legacy! A name associated with power and ambition, modern Isabellas include actress Isabella Rossellini and Isabella 'Bella' Swan of Twilight fame. While there is no direct male equivalent, the name Isaiah comes close, and although there have been no King Isaiahs, being a prophet is a noble and powerful calling.