The influence of medieval peoples on modern language goes far beyond history books. Many everyday words can be traced back to the names of medieval tribes, regions, and cultures, evolving over time to take on new meanings. This transformation shows how the impact of these groups continues to resonate, shaping not just historical narratives but the very words we use to express ideas and describe behaviours.
Names once tied to conquests, migrations, and cultural achievements have been repurposed into expressions that often bear little resemblance to their original meanings. This evolution bridges the past and present, embedding the stories and reputations of medieval peoples into language. It highlights the enduring influence of the Middle Ages on how we understand and articulate the world around us today. Here are ten modern words derived from the names of medieval peoples:
Vandal
The term vandal originates from the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. The Vandals are most famously known for their sack of Rome in 455 CE, which was characterized by widespread destruction and looting. Over time, the term vandal evolved to describe anyone who engages in wanton destruction or damage to property, whether it’s graffiti, defacement, or general acts of malicious mischief. This modern usage captures the reputation for destruction that became associated with the Vandals, even though historians debate whether they were truly more destructive than other groups of the time.
Goth
The word Goth originally referred to the Gothic tribes, specifically the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, who played a key role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire and later established kingdoms in parts of Europe. In the Middle Ages, the term became associated with the Gothic architectural style, known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and towering cathedrals. In the 18th century, the term evolved again, becoming associated with Gothic literature, which focused on themes of mystery, horror, and the supernatural. In modern times, Goth refers to a subculture characterized by dark fashion, music, and an interest in the macabre.
Byzantine
The word Byzantine comes from the Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire that lasted from the fall of Rome in 476 CE until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The empire was known for its complex bureaucracy, intricate political intrigues, and elaborate court rituals. Because of this, Byzantine has come to describe something overly complicated, intricate, or bureaucratic, particularly when it involves political machinations or red tape. The term conveys a sense of labyrinthine complexity and opacity, reflecting the historical reputation of the empire’s internal workings.
Anglo-Saxon
The term Anglo-Saxon originally referred to the Germanic tribes, specifically the Angles and the Saxons, who settled in England during the early Middle Ages. Over time, they established a distinctive culture that laid the foundations for medieval English society, including the development of Old English as a language. In modern usage, Anglo-Saxon is often used to describe aspects of early English culture, law, or language. However, in recent years, the term has become increasingly controversial, even among medievalists. Critics argue that the term has been appropriated by nationalist or white supremacist groups to promote exclusionary ideas about race and heritage, creating a toxic association that distorts historical reality.
Frank
The term Frank originally referred to the Franks, a Germanic tribe that established one of the most powerful kingdoms in medieval Europe, eventually giving rise to the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne. The Franks were known for their directness and military prowess, and their name eventually became associated with being open, honest, and straightforward. The word frank is now used to describe a person who speaks plainly or candidly, a trait attributed to the historical reputation of the Franks.
Lombard
Lombard originally referred to the Lombards, a Germanic people who invaded Italy in the 6th century and established a kingdom that lasted until they were conquered by Charlemagne. In the Middle Ages, Lombards became known for their involvement in finance and trade, particularly as moneylenders in medieval European cities. As a result, Lombard came to be associated with banking and finance, with the term Lombard Street in London becoming synonymous with the financial district.
Pictish
The term Pictish refers to the Picts, a group of Celtic-speaking people who lived in what is now Scotland during the Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages. The Picts were known for their mysterious culture, art, and elaborate stone carvings. Over time, the term Pictish has come to be associated with something ancient, enigmatic, or difficult to decipher, reflecting the aura of mystery that surrounds the history and culture of the Picts.
Mongol
Mongol originally referred to the Mongol people, who established one of the largest empires in history under leaders like Genghis Khan in the 13th century. The Mongols were known for their military prowess, speed, and ruthlessness in battle. While the term has historically been used to imply fierceness or brutality, this usage is now seen as offensive. However, Mongol is still used to describe someone with an overwhelming or unstoppable force, capturing the power associated with the Mongol conquests.
Bohemian
The term Bohemian originally referred to the people of Bohemia, a historical region in Central Europe that is now part of the Czech Republic. In the 19th century, the term evolved to describe an unconventional, artistic lifestyle, as many artists and writers of the time were thought to have a free-spirited attitude reminiscent of the Bohemian people. Today, Bohemian conveys an image of a carefree, creative lifestyle that values art, nature, and individuality.
Slav
The term Slav refers to the large ethno-linguistic group in Eastern Europe. During the Middle Ages, many Slavic peoples were captured and enslaved, and the word slave is etymologically linked to Slav. This connection highlights the historical association of Slavic peoples with forced labor and exploitation in medieval Europe, a legacy that has left a lasting mark on the language.
In addition to words derived from medieval peoples, several terms in modern English come from the names of ancient peoples and have evolved to take on new meanings. For example, Philistine originally referred to an ancient people in the region of modern-day Israel and Gaza, but now means someone who is indifferent to art or culture. Spartan, from the people of Sparta in ancient Greece, is used to describe something austere or disciplined. Carthaginian, derived from the people of Carthage, is sometimes used to describe something ruthless or involving complete destruction.
These words illustrate how the legacy of medieval peoples continues to shape modern language, capturing elements of their historical reputations in everyday speech.
Top Photos: The Goth King Totila by Francesco Salviati, c. 1549 / Goths in the park by Chris / Flickr
The influence of medieval peoples on modern language goes far beyond history books. Many everyday words can be traced back to the names of medieval tribes, regions, and cultures, evolving over time to take on new meanings. This transformation shows how the impact of these groups continues to resonate, shaping not just historical narratives but the very words we use to express ideas and describe behaviours.
Names once tied to conquests, migrations, and cultural achievements have been repurposed into expressions that often bear little resemblance to their original meanings. This evolution bridges the past and present, embedding the stories and reputations of medieval peoples into language. It highlights the enduring influence of the Middle Ages on how we understand and articulate the world around us today. Here are ten modern words derived from the names of medieval peoples:
Vandal
The term vandal originates from the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. The Vandals are most famously known for their sack of Rome in 455 CE, which was characterized by widespread destruction and looting. Over time, the term vandal evolved to describe anyone who engages in wanton destruction or damage to property, whether it’s graffiti, defacement, or general acts of malicious mischief. This modern usage captures the reputation for destruction that became associated with the Vandals, even though historians debate whether they were truly more destructive than other groups of the time.
Goth
The word Goth originally referred to the Gothic tribes, specifically the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, who played a key role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire and later established kingdoms in parts of Europe. In the Middle Ages, the term became associated with the Gothic architectural style, known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and towering cathedrals. In the 18th century, the term evolved again, becoming associated with Gothic literature, which focused on themes of mystery, horror, and the supernatural. In modern times, Goth refers to a subculture characterized by dark fashion, music, and an interest in the macabre.
Byzantine
The word Byzantine comes from the Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire that lasted from the fall of Rome in 476 CE until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The empire was known for its complex bureaucracy, intricate political intrigues, and elaborate court rituals. Because of this, Byzantine has come to describe something overly complicated, intricate, or bureaucratic, particularly when it involves political machinations or red tape. The term conveys a sense of labyrinthine complexity and opacity, reflecting the historical reputation of the empire’s internal workings.
Anglo-Saxon
The term Anglo-Saxon originally referred to the Germanic tribes, specifically the Angles and the Saxons, who settled in England during the early Middle Ages. Over time, they established a distinctive culture that laid the foundations for medieval English society, including the development of Old English as a language. In modern usage, Anglo-Saxon is often used to describe aspects of early English culture, law, or language. However, in recent years, the term has become increasingly controversial, even among medievalists. Critics argue that the term has been appropriated by nationalist or white supremacist groups to promote exclusionary ideas about race and heritage, creating a toxic association that distorts historical reality.
Frank
The term Frank originally referred to the Franks, a Germanic tribe that established one of the most powerful kingdoms in medieval Europe, eventually giving rise to the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne. The Franks were known for their directness and military prowess, and their name eventually became associated with being open, honest, and straightforward. The word frank is now used to describe a person who speaks plainly or candidly, a trait attributed to the historical reputation of the Franks.
Lombard
Lombard originally referred to the Lombards, a Germanic people who invaded Italy in the 6th century and established a kingdom that lasted until they were conquered by Charlemagne. In the Middle Ages, Lombards became known for their involvement in finance and trade, particularly as moneylenders in medieval European cities. As a result, Lombard came to be associated with banking and finance, with the term Lombard Street in London becoming synonymous with the financial district.
Pictish
The term Pictish refers to the Picts, a group of Celtic-speaking people who lived in what is now Scotland during the Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages. The Picts were known for their mysterious culture, art, and elaborate stone carvings. Over time, the term Pictish has come to be associated with something ancient, enigmatic, or difficult to decipher, reflecting the aura of mystery that surrounds the history and culture of the Picts.
Mongol
Mongol originally referred to the Mongol people, who established one of the largest empires in history under leaders like Genghis Khan in the 13th century. The Mongols were known for their military prowess, speed, and ruthlessness in battle. While the term has historically been used to imply fierceness or brutality, this usage is now seen as offensive. However, Mongol is still used to describe someone with an overwhelming or unstoppable force, capturing the power associated with the Mongol conquests.
Bohemian
The term Bohemian originally referred to the people of Bohemia, a historical region in Central Europe that is now part of the Czech Republic. In the 19th century, the term evolved to describe an unconventional, artistic lifestyle, as many artists and writers of the time were thought to have a free-spirited attitude reminiscent of the Bohemian people. Today, Bohemian conveys an image of a carefree, creative lifestyle that values art, nature, and individuality.
Slav
The term Slav refers to the large ethno-linguistic group in Eastern Europe. During the Middle Ages, many Slavic peoples were captured and enslaved, and the word slave is etymologically linked to Slav. This connection highlights the historical association of Slavic peoples with forced labor and exploitation in medieval Europe, a legacy that has left a lasting mark on the language.
In addition to words derived from medieval peoples, several terms in modern English come from the names of ancient peoples and have evolved to take on new meanings. For example, Philistine originally referred to an ancient people in the region of modern-day Israel and Gaza, but now means someone who is indifferent to art or culture. Spartan, from the people of Sparta in ancient Greece, is used to describe something austere or disciplined. Carthaginian, derived from the people of Carthage, is sometimes used to describe something ruthless or involving complete destruction.
These words illustrate how the legacy of medieval peoples continues to shape modern language, capturing elements of their historical reputations in everyday speech.
Top Photos: The Goth King Totila by Francesco Salviati, c. 1549 / Goths in the park by Chris / Flickr
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