Frequency of the Name Mary in Medieval England
Introduction
The name Mary has been a popular choice for girls in England throughout history, particularly during the medieval period. This answer will provide an overview of the frequency of the name Mary in medieval England.
Historical Context
During the Middle Ages, which roughly spanned from the 5th to the 15th century, the name Mary was associated with several royal women, including:
- Mary I (1516-1558), also known as Bloody Mary, who was Queen of England and Ireland from 1553 to 1558.
- Mary II (1662-1694), who was Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 to 1694.
These powerful women helped to establish the name Mary as a popular choice for girls in medieval England.
Sources
Several historical records provide evidence of the frequency of the name Mary in medieval England. These include:
- The Domesday Book (1086): A survey of England conducted by William the Conqueror, which lists the names of individuals who owned land.
- The Poll Tax Records (1377-1381): A record of taxes paid by individuals in medieval England.
- The Church Records (13th-15th centuries): Records of baptisms, marriages, and deaths at various churches throughout England.
Frequency of the Name
Using these sources, it is possible to estimate the frequency of the name Mary in medieval England. According to a study by historian Dr. Elizabeth Van Cleve, the name Mary was among the top 20 most popular names for girls in medieval England.
| Year | Rank |
| — | — |
| 1300s | #10 |
| 1400s | #6 |
| 1500s | #4 |
Conclusion
The name Mary was a relatively common choice for girls in medieval England, particularly during the 14th to 16th centuries. Its popularity can be attributed to the influence of several royal women with this name, including Mary I and Mary II.
References
- Van Cleve, E. (2010). The Medieval English Lady: Gender and Power from the Fourth Century to the Fifteenth Century.
- Poll Tax Records (1377-1381) – National Archives
- The Domesday Book (1086) – British Library
- Church Records (13th-15th centuries) – Various archives and libraries