Pilgrim names carry a timeless charm rooted in history, faith, travel, and tradition. From classic choices like William, John, Elizabeth, and Samuel to unique names such as Peregrine, Damaris, and Oceanus, these names offer a fascinating connection to the past. Whether you are researching historical Pilgrim names or looking for a meaningful name with an old fashioned feel, this guide explores classic, unique, and memorable Pilgrim names along with their historical connections and meanings.
Quick Answer
Pilgrim names are names connected with the English settlers traditionally known as the Pilgrims, especially those associated with the Mayflower voyage of 1620 and Plymouth Colony. Some popular examples include Peregrine, William, Bradford, Brewster, Edward, John, Miles, Constance, Susanna, Elizabeth, Oceanus, and Damaris.
If you want a name with an authentic Pilgrim era feel, traditional English names such as John, William, Edward, Thomas, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Susanna make strong choices. For something more unusual, Peregrine and Oceanus offer distinctive historical connections.
What Are Pilgrim Names?
The phrase pilgrim names can refer to names associated with the historical Pilgrims of Plymouth, names used by people who traveled as pilgrims, or names that carry a sense of faith, travel, courage, and spiritual journey.
The Pilgrims most commonly connected with the term were English settlers who traveled aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and established Plymouth Colony in New England. Plimoth Patuxet Museums explains that the people we now call Pilgrims were largely connected to a Separatist congregation that had roots in Scrooby, England.
The word pilgrim itself describes someone who makes a journey, often for a religious or moral purpose. William Bradford later used the word when describing the Separatists’ journey from Leiden to America. The term became widely associated with the Plymouth settlers much later.
Famous Pilgrim Names From the Mayflower
Many traditional names connected with the Mayflower remain recognizable today.
| Name | Gender | Historical Connection |
| William | Boy | William Bradford and William Brewster |
| John | Boy | Several Mayflower passengers |
| Edward | Boy | Edward Winslow and others |
| Samuel | Boy | Samuel Fuller |
| Thomas | Boy | Thomas Rogers and others |
| Miles | Boy | Miles Standish |
| Isaac | Boy | Isaac Allerton |
| Stephen | Boy | Stephen Hopkins |
| Richard | Boy | Several Mayflower passengers |
| Francis | Boy | Francis Cooke and Francis Eaton |
| Elizabeth | Girl | Several women connected with Plymouth |
| Susanna | Girl | Susanna White |
| Constance | Girl | Constance Hopkins |
| Damaris | Girl | Damaris Hopkins |
| Dorothy | Girl | Dorothy Bradford |
| Mary | Girl | Mary Allerton |
| Sarah | Girl | Sarah Eaton |
| Priscilla | Girl | Priscilla Mullins |
Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ historical resources document many of these names among the Mayflower passengers and early Plymouth colonists.
Pilgrim Names for Boys
If you want a traditional boy name inspired by the Pilgrim era, these choices offer a strong historical feel.
1. William
William was an especially important name among the Plymouth settlers. William Bradford served as governor of Plymouth Colony for many years, while William Brewster played an important role in the Separatist community.
The name has a classic and timeless sound, making it easy to use today.
2. John
John appears frequently among the Mayflower passengers. Several passengers carried the name, including John Carver, John Alden, John Howland, and others.
It works well if you want a simple name with strong historical roots.
3. Edward
Edward was another common name among the early Plymouth settlers. Edward Winslow became one of the best known figures in the colony.
Edward feels traditional without sounding overly old fashioned.
4. Samuel
Samuel Fuller traveled on the Mayflower and became an important member of the Plymouth community.
Samuel gives a classic biblical and historical impression.
5. Miles
Miles Standish remains one of the most recognizable names associated with Plymouth Colony.
Miles feels short, stylish, and traditional while still carrying a clear historical connection.
6. Stephen
Stephen Hopkins traveled aboard the Mayflower with his family. His children included Constance, Giles, and Damaris, and his family story provides several interesting Pilgrim era names.
7. Thomas
Thomas was another popular name among the Mayflower passengers, including Thomas Rogers and Thomas Tinker.
8. Isaac
Isaac Allerton was a Mayflower passenger and one of the men connected with the Mayflower Compact.
Isaac works particularly well for parents who want a traditional name with historical depth.
Pilgrim Names for Girls
Pilgrim era girl names often have a graceful, traditional quality. Several remain familiar today.
1. Elizabeth
Elizabeth was used by several women connected with Plymouth. The name has a long history and continues to work beautifully as a modern baby name.
2. Susanna
Susanna White traveled on the Mayflower with her family. She later became associated with one of the best known early Plymouth family stories.
Susanna has an elegant vintage sound and several nickname possibilities, including Susie and Anna.
3. Constance
Constance Hopkins was a Mayflower passenger and the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Hopkins.
The name Constance suggests steadiness and strength, making it a meaningful choice for parents who prefer traditional names.
4. Damaris
Damaris Hopkins was another member of the Hopkins family who traveled to New England.
Damaris feels distinctive today while still having an authentic historical connection.
5. Priscilla
Priscilla Mullins is one of the best known female names connected with Plymouth history.
Priscilla offers a charming vintage style that still feels recognizable.
6. Dorothy
Dorothy was another name found among the early Plymouth families.
Its classic style makes it suitable for parents looking for an old fashioned name with a familiar sound.
7. Mary
Mary was extremely common in English communities of the period, including among the Plymouth settlers.
Its simplicity makes it one of the easiest Pilgrim inspired names to use today.
Unique Pilgrim Names
If you want something less common, consider these distinctive choices:
- Peregrine
- Oceanus
- Damaris
- Constance
- Giles
- Priscilla
- Susanna
- Digery
- Moses
- Brewster
- Winslow
- Standish
Two names stand out for their especially unusual stories: Oceanus and Peregrine.
Elizabeth Hopkins gave birth to Oceanus during the Mayflower’s Atlantic crossing. After the ship reached New England, Susanna White gave birth to Peregrine White. Plimoth Patuxet Museums notes that peregrine means someone traveling from far away and also carries the meaning of pilgrim.
Pilgrim Names Inspired by Meaning
You do not have to choose the exact name of a historical passenger. You can also choose a name that reflects the ideas associated with pilgrimage.
Names Connected With Travel and Journeys
Peregrine is the clearest choice because of its connection with travel and pilgrimage.
Other names can create a similar feeling through meanings related to journeys, roads, travelers, or exploration.
Names Connected With Faith
Traditional biblical names fit naturally into a Pilgrim inspired naming style. Consider:
- Samuel
- Isaac
- John
- Mary
- Elizabeth
- Sarah
- Thomas
- Matthew
- Joseph
These names also work well for parents who want a historical style without choosing a rare colonial name.
Names Connected With Nature
Oceanus offers a particularly memorable nature connection. The name also has a direct connection with the Mayflower journey because Oceanus Hopkins was born during the crossing.
Other nature inspired names can complement a historical Pilgrim theme without claiming that they were actual Pilgrim names.
Pilgrim Surnames That Make Interesting First Names
Some names connected with Plymouth history can also work as modern surname style first names.
Bradford
Bradford has a strong historical association with William Bradford, one of the most prominent Plymouth leaders.
Brewster
Brewster connects with William Brewster, a leading member of the Plymouth community.
Winslow
Winslow is associated with Edward Winslow and has a polished surname style sound.
Standish
Standish comes from Miles Standish, a well known figure in Plymouth history.
These names work particularly well if you want a distinctive historical name rather than a traditional first name.
Best Pilgrim Names for a Baby
If you want a name that feels historical but still works well today, consider this shortlist:
| Name | Style | Why Choose It |
| Peregrine | Rare & meaningful | Strong connection with pilgrimage |
| William | Classic | Major Plymouth historical connection |
| Elizabeth | Elegant | Traditional and timeless |
| Miles | Short & classic | Connected with Miles Standish |
| Constance | Vintage | Distinctive historical choice |
| Samuel | Biblical | Traditional and familiar |
| Susanna | Vintage | Elegant early colonial feel |
| Edward | Classic | Strong historical connection |
| Damaris | Rare | Uncommon historical choice |
| Oceanus | Very unique | Connected with the Mayflower voyage |
Pilgrim Names for Boys and Girls at a Glance
Boy Pilgrim Names
- William
- John
- Edward
- Samuel
- Thomas
- Miles
- Stephen
- Isaac
- Richard
- Francis
- Giles
- Moses
- Peregrine
- Oceanus
Girl Pilgrim Names
- Elizabeth
- Susanna
- Constance
- Damaris
- Priscilla
- Dorothy
- Mary
- Sarah
How to Choose a Pilgrim Name
Choosing a historical name becomes easier when you decide what kind of connection you want.
Choose a Historical Name
Pick a name directly connected with a Mayflower passenger or early Plymouth family, such as William, Edward, Miles, Constance, or Susanna.
Choose a Rare Name
If uniqueness matters most, look at Peregrine, Damaris, Oceanus, or Giles.
Choose a Modern Friendly Name
For an easier everyday choice, consider William, John, Samuel, Elizabeth, Mary, Miles, or Edward.
Choose a Name With a Journey Theme
If the idea of pilgrimage matters more than the exact historical connection, Peregrine offers one of the strongest choices because of its meaning and historical association.
Are Pilgrim Names Only Mayflower Names?
The term Pilgrim now strongly connects with the English settlers of Plymouth, especially those associated with the Mayflower. However, the word itself has a broader meaning: a person who travels on a journey, often for religious or moral reasons.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums notes that the Plymouth colonists did not originally use “Pilgrim” as a formal group name. The term became widely applied to them much later, especially during the 1800s.
For this reason, a “Pilgrim name” article can include both historical names and names that capture the themes of travel, faith, endurance, and discovery.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are some famous Pilgrim names?
Some well known names include William Bradford, William Brewster, Edward Winslow, Miles Standish, John Alden, John Carver, and Stephen Hopkins. These names appear in historical records connected with the Mayflower and Plymouth Colony.
Q2. What is a unique Pilgrim name?
Peregrine is one of the most distinctive choices. Peregrine White was born in December 1620 after the Mayflower reached New England, and the word peregrine also relates to a traveler or pilgrim.
Q3. What is a good Pilgrim name for a boy?
Miles, William, Edward, Samuel, John, and Peregrine are strong options with different styles.
Q4. What is a good Pilgrim name for a girl?
Consider Elizabeth, Susanna, Constance, Damaris, Priscilla, or Dorothy.
Q5. What is the most unusual Pilgrim name?
Oceanus stands out as an especially unusual historical choice. Oceanus Hopkins was born during the Mayflower’s voyage across the Atlantic.
Q6. Is Peregrine a Pilgrim name?
Yes. Peregrine White was born to Mayflower passengers Susanna and William White. The word peregrine also has a direct connection to the idea of a traveler or pilgrim.
Q7. Are Pilgrim names biblical?
Many Pilgrim era names have biblical or Christian traditions, including John, Samuel, Isaac, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Thomas. However, not every historical Pilgrim name came directly from the Bible.
Q8. Can Pilgrim surnames become first names?
Yes. Names such as Bradford, Brewster, Winslow, and Standish can work as surname style first names inspired by Plymouth history.
Q9. What does the name Peregrine mean?
Peregrine can refer to someone who travels from far away. Plimoth Patuxet Museums specifically connects the word with the meaning of pilgrim.
Q10. Why are they called Pilgrims?
The term became associated with the Plymouth settlers because of William Bradford’s description of the Separatists as pilgrims. The label became popular much later and eventually applied broadly to the Plymouth colonists.
Conclusion
Pilgrim names offer a fascinating mix of history, tradition, faith, and adventure. Classic choices such as William, John, Edward, Elizabeth, and Samuel provide familiar options, while Peregrine, Damaris, Constance, and Oceanus offer something more distinctive.
For the strongest direct historical connection, look at names documented among the Mayflower passengers and early Plymouth families. For a more creative approach, choose a name that reflects the broader idea of a pilgrim: someone who follows a meaningful journey.
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Hi, I’m Nolan Pierce, a writer and name enthusiast at NameCentra. I enjoy exploring unique names, their meanings, and the stories behind them.
I write about baby names, pet names, character names, fantasy names, team names, and creative naming ideas. My goal is simple: to make finding the perfect name easy, useful, and enjoyable.
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