A few, however, such as Arthur, Owen, and Alan, were Breton Welsh.

Side by side with these French names, the Normans introduced the Scriptural forms, John, Matthew, Thomas, Simon, Stephen, Piers or Peter, and James; for though a few cases of Scriptural names occur in the earlier history--for example, St.John of Beverley and Daniel, bishop of the West Saxons--these are always borne by ecclesiastics, probably as names of religion.

All through the middle ages, and down to very recent times, the vast majority of English men and women continued to bear these baptismal names of Norman introduction.

Only two native English forms practically survived--Edward and Edmund--owing to mere accidents of royal favour.

They were the names of two great English saints, Eadward the Confessor and Eadmund of East Anglia; and Henry III.