First Names from Downton Abbey

NB
Updated on July 7, 2026
Vornamen aus Downton Abbey
Ein kleines Mädchen in einem nostalgischen Schaukelbett.

The Crawleys have long since disappeared from the screen, but their glamour continues to thrive in children's rooms: Many fans are inspired by "Downton Abbey" when searching for names. Whether it's Mary, Edith, Violet, or Cora – the classic first names from the cult series sound elegant, British, and timelessly beautiful.

The series "Downton Abbey" was included in the Guinness World Records in 2011 after critics named it the "highest-rated television series of the year." With a total of six seasons, the last of which was produced in 2015, the show remains popular to this day.

At the center of the story is the aristocratic Crawley family and their staff at the beginning of the 20th century. The show's attention to detail continues to fascinate viewers time and again. Here, the worlds of the servants and the nobility collide. The first names chosen in both classes predominantly reflect classic names that were common at the time.

The following list provides an overview of the names of the main characters from Downton Abbey – from the lords Robert and Violet to Charles and Ivy from the staff.

1. Albert

Albert Travis is the vicar in the series and bears a classic English name that means "noble" or "bright."

2. Alfred

Alfred Nugent is a footman at Downton Abbey. The name Alfred means "wise" or "counselor."

3. Andrew

Andrew "Andy" Parker, also a footman, carries a name that means "brave" or "manly."

4. Anna

Anna May Bates works as a maid. Her name means "gracious" or "full of grace."

5. Beryl

Beryl Patmore is the cook at Downton Abbey. The name Beryl is derived from a gemstone.

6. Charles

Charles Carson is the butler. The name Charles means "free" or "man."

7. Charlie

Charlie Parks is the illegitimate son of Major Charles Bryant and former maid Ethel Parks.

8. Cora

Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham, carries a name that means "girl" or "maiden."

9. Daisy

Daisy Mason, kitchen assistant and sous-chef, has a name derived from the flower "daisy."

10. Edith

Edith Crawley, the Marchioness of Hexham, is the middle daughter of Robert and Cora. Her name means "rich" or "happy."

11. Edna

Edna Braithwaite is a maid and lady's maid to Cora. The name Edna means "joy."

12. Elsie

Elsie Hughes, the head housekeeper, carries a name that means "God is my oath."

13. Ethel

Ethel Parks works as a maid. Her name means "noble" or "distinguished."

14. George

George Crawley, the son of Matthew and Mary, carries a name that means "farmer" or "land worker."

15. Gladys

Gladys Denker is Violet's lady's maid. The name means "princess."

16. Gwen

Gwen Dawson is another maid. Her name means "white" or "blessed."

17. Isobel

Isobel Crawley, Matthew's mother, carries a name that means "God is my oath."

18. Ivy

Ivy Stuart, kitchen assistant, has a name derived from the plant "ivy."

19. James

James "Jimmy" Kent is a footman and valet. His name means "substitute" or "successor."

20. Jane

Jane Moorsum, a maid, carries a name that means "God is gracious."

21. John

John Bates, Mary’s husband and a former soldier, has a name that means "God is gracious."

22. Joseph

Joseph Molesley, Isobel's butler and Matthew's valet, carries a name that means "he will add."

23. Kemal

Kemal Pamuk is a Turkish diplomat and guest. The name Kemal means "perfection" or "completeness."

24. Lavinia

Lavinia Swire, Matthew's fiancée, has a name that means "from Lavinium."

25. Martha

Martha Levinson, Cora's mother, carries a name that means "mistress."

26. Mary

Mary Josephine Crawley, the eldest daughter of Cora and Robert, has a name that means "beloved."

27. Matthew

Matthew Reginald Crawley, a lawyer and Mary’s husband, carries a name that means "gift of God."

28. Phyllis

Phyllis Baxter, Cora's lady's maid, carries a name that means "green foliage."

29. Richard

Sir Richard Carlisle of Morningside, a newspaper publisher and former fiancé of Mary, has a name that means "powerful ruler."

30. Robert

Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, carries a name that means "glorious fame."

31. Sarah

Sarah O'Brien, Cora's lady's maid, has a name that means "princess."

32. Septimus

Septimus Spratt, Violet's butler, carries a name that means "the seventh."

33. Susan

Susan MacClare, Lady MacClare, has a name that means "lily."

34. Sybil

Sybil Cora Crawley, the youngest daughter of Cora and Robert, carries a name that means "prophetess."

35. Thomas

Thomas Barrow, a footman, has a name that means "twin."

36. Tom

Tom Branson, the Crawley family's chauffeur, carries a name that means "twin."

37. Violet

Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham and mother of Robert, carries a name that means "violet."

38. William

William Mason, a footman, has a name that means "resolute protector."

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