On August 3, Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, celebrated the arrival of their third child, a baby girl whose name has yet to be announced. Although the specific name remains a mystery, it is anticipated that it will follow the royal family tradition of choosing names with personal and historical significance.
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The British royal family has a long history of selecting names that reflect their legacy. For instance, Prince William named his firstborn son George, in honour of King George VI, the father of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Similarly, his daughter, Charlotte, carries a version of her grandfather King Charles’s name. Such choices are not merely ceremonial; they often pay homage to influential figures within the family.
Names within the extended royal family often honour beloved family members who have passed away. Several great-grandchildren carry names that pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, her husband Prince Philip, and Princess Diana, who remains a cherished figure in royal history. These poignant choices place the names within a broader narrative of family and remembrance.
Among the royal great-grandchildren, notable names include Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, daughter of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Born on January 22, 2025, Athena’s name invokes the Greek goddess of wisdom, while her middle name serves as an homage to the late Queen Elizabeth. According to Edoardo, Athena has already captured the hearts of her family, and her arrival was met with immense joy.
Prince Eugenie’s son, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, was born on May 30, 2023. His name carries deep familial significance, honouring both his great-great-great-grandfather George and his grandfather. In a heartfelt announcement on social media, Princess Eugenie shared that Ernest’s name reflects a lineage of love and legacy.
Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, born on September 18, 2021, is another example of the royal naming tradition. Her name, which draws from the Italian city of Siena, encapsulates beauty and warmth. The middle name Elizabeth pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth, reaffirming the family’s connection to their regal roots.
Lilibet Diana, the second child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, was born on June 4, 2021. Her name is a touching nod to both her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth—familiarly known as Lilibet in childhood—and her late mother, Princess Diana. The use of such names demonstrates a blend of personal sentiment and royal heritage, creating a sense of continuity in a rapidly changing world.
Lucas Philip Tindall, who arrived on March 21, 2021, is the first son of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall. The name Lucas, meaning “bringer of light,” is unique in the royal family and is complemented by his middle name, Philip, in honour of Zara’s grandfather, the late Prince Philip. This blending of names reflects a modern approach to royal naming while still honouring traditions.
Another notable name is August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, born on February 9, 2021, to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. The name August is historically significant, referencing Prince Albert, while Philip serves as a tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh. Hawke is derived from Jack Brooksbank’s family lineage, adding yet another layer of family connection to the name.
Continuing the trend of meaningful naming, Prince Archie Harrison, the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was born on May 6, 2019. Rather than opting for a name steeped in tradition, Harry and Meghan chose Archie, a name that means “genuine and bold.” The couple revealed that the inspiration behind his name originated from the Greek word “arche,” emphasising themes of action and significance.
As the royal family evolves and welcomes new generations, the naming conventions reflect a balance between tradition and modernity. Each name carries weight and meaning, connecting the past with the present while honouring influential figures within the family. As Princess Eugenie’s new daughter joins her cousins, it will be fascinating to see how her name contributes to this ongoing royal narrative, intricately woven through personal and familial history.