Names have weight. They carry history. If you’re looking for good witch names, you probably aren’t just looking for something that sounds "spooky" or "cool." You’re likely looking for a name that resonates with a specific kind of energy—something healing, grounded, or perhaps tied to the ancient folklore of the cunning folk. Most people make the mistake of heading straight for the "goth" aesthetic, picking names like Raven or Midnight. Those are fine, honestly. But they don't really capture the essence of what a "good" witch—historically a healer, a midwife, or a protector—actually represents.
Naming a character, a pet, or even adopting a craft-name is about vibration. It's about the dirt under the fingernails. It’s about the herb garden at 4:00 AM.
The History of the "White Witch" Identity
The term "white witch" is kind of a modern invention, mostly popularized in the 19th and 20th centuries to distinguish "benevolent" magic from the dark tropes of the Middle Ages. Historically, you had people like the benandanti in 16th-century Italy. They called themselves "good walkers." They believed they fought battles in their sleep against malevolent forces to protect the crops. If you wanted a name inspired by them, you might look at traditional Friulian names or names that signify "blessing."
Then you have the "Cunning Folk" of Britain. These weren't people living in dark towers. They were neighbors. They were "Wise Women" or "Cunning Men." They used names that were remarkably ordinary for their time, but today, those names carry a heavy, vintage charm that feels magical. Think of names like Thomasine, Gowdie, or Ursula. Ursula Southeil, better known as Mother Shipton, is a massive figure here. Despite the terrifying legends, she was often sought out for her visions and her understanding of the natural world.
Good Witch Names Rooted in Botany and Earth
Nature is the most authentic source for a name that feels "good" and "light." But don't just grab "Rose" and call it a day. That’s boring. Look deeper into the pharmacopeia of the ancient world.
Yarrow is a powerhouse. It’s a name that feels sturdy. It’s a plant used for centuries to staunch wounds. It has a rugged, protective quality to it. If you want something that sounds more ethereal, Celandine is a brilliant choice. It’s a yellow flower in the poppy family, and the name itself sounds like a bell ringing in a quiet forest.
What about Rowan? In Scottish folklore, the Rowan tree is the ultimate protector against enchantment. To have a Rowan name is to be a guardian. It’s gender-neutral, punchy, and carries a lot of "good" weight. Or Vervain. This was one of the most sacred plants to the Druids. It’s a "herb of grace." Using botanical names connects the "witch" to the "healer" archetype, which is exactly where the "good" connotation comes from.
Names from the Stars and the Sky
Celestial names are tricky because they can veer into "Space Age" territory if you aren't careful. To keep it grounded in the craft, look at the older, Latinate or Greek roots.
Astraea is a personal favorite. She was the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who became the constellation Virgo. It’s a "good" name because it’s tied to the idea of purity and the Golden Age. Selene or Luna are obvious, sure. But maybe try Elara or Thalassa. They feel a bit more ancient, a bit more "hidden."
Why Character Names Like Glinda and Willow Stick
We can't talk about good witch names without mentioning pop culture, because let's be real: that’s where most of our modern archetypes come from. Glinda (from The Wizard of Oz) was literally a name invented by L. Frank Baum. It doesn't have ancient roots, but it has become the gold standard for "the good witch." It sounds airy and bright.
Willow (from Buffy) changed everything. It took a nature name and turned it into the name of the "hacker-turned-wiccan" hero. It’s a soft name, but willow wood is incredibly flexible and strong. It doesn't break; it bends. That’s a powerful metaphor for a practitioner of magic. Then you have Sabrina. It actually has Celtic roots (Habren), and it’s tied to a river goddess. It feels youthful, but it’s got teeth.
Finding Inspiration in "Wise Woman" Lore
If you want something that feels truly authentic, look at the names of women who were actually recorded in history as healers.
- Agneta: A common name in Scandinavian records, often associated with "pure" or "holy."
- Bice: A short, sharp Italian name (pronounced Bee-chay) that comes from Beatrice, meaning "she who brings happiness."
- Elowen: This is Cornish for "elm tree." Elms are associated with the underworld but also with protection and inner strength.
- Margery: Specifically, Margery Jourdemayne, the "Witch of Eye." While her story ended in tragedy, she was known as a woman of immense knowledge regarding medicinal drafts.
These aren't "sparkly" names. They are "dirt and bone" names. They feel like they belong to someone who knows which mushrooms will kill you and which will cure your fever. That is the ultimate "good witch" energy.
The Problem with "White" vs "Dark" Names
Naming things based on a binary is kinda reductive. Most folk practitioners don't see themselves as "good" or "bad." They see themselves as "useful."
A name like Hecate is often seen as dark because she's a goddess of the crossroads and the night. But Hecate was also a protector of the household. She was the one who walked with the lost. If your version of "good" involves helping people through their darkest times, then "darker" sounding names actually fit better than something "sunny" like Daisy.
Consider Circe. Most people think of her turning men into pigs. But read the actual mythology—she was a master of pharmaka (herbs and potions). She was a woman of immense self-actualization. A "good" name is one that reflects the intent of the person carrying it.
Practical Steps for Choosing a Name
Don't just pick a name because it looks pretty on a screen. You have to say it out loud. A lot.
- Check the Etymology. If you choose Maleficent, you’re literally choosing "evil-doing." Probably not the vibe for a good witch. Look for roots like Benedict (blessed), Sophia (wisdom), or Lucia (light).
- Look at your Ancestry. Magic is often tied to lineage. If you have Scottish roots, Isobel might hit harder than a Greek name like Phoebe.
- The "Backdoor" Test. Imagine someone calling this name through a screen door across a field. Does it carry? Does it sound like a command or a song? Rhiannon sounds like a song. Morgana sounds like a command.
Modern Twists on Classic Archetypes
Sometimes you want something that feels modern but maintains that "old soul" energy. This is where you get into the territory of "word names" that aren't traditionally names.
Sage is the obvious one here. It’s both a plant and a state of being (wise). It’s perfect. But what about Solstice? Or Reverie? Verity is an old Puritan name that means "truth," and it feels incredibly "good witch" in a minimalist, sharp kind of way.
📖 Related: Over the Hill Game: Why This Birthday Trope Refuses to Die
Carys is a Welsh name meaning "love." It’s short, it’s rare enough to be interesting, and it carries a very specific, warm frequency. If your "witchcraft" is based on empathy and heart-work, Carys is a much better fit than something like Griselda.
Creating Your Own Good Witch Names
If none of the historical or botanical names fit, you can construct one. Many practitioners do this. They take a prefix and a suffix that mean something to them.
- Prefixes: Aura- (breeze), Geo- (earth), Lux- (light), Bio- (life).
- Suffixes: -low (hill/mound), -wyn (friend/fair), -thra (vision/growth).
A name like Luxwyn (Light-friend) might sound a bit "fantasy novel," but it’s unique. It belongs to you. Just be careful not to make it too clunky. Two syllables is usually the sweet spot for a name that feels "real."
The Weight of Names in Local Folklore
Every region has its own version of the "Good Witch." In the Appalachian mountains, they were "Granny Midwives." They had names like Althaea (which means "with healing power") or Opal. These names feel like home. They feel like a warm quilt and a cup of herbal tea.
In the Spanish-speaking world, you have the Curandera. Names like Remedios (Remedies) or Milagros (Miracles) are literally descriptive of the "good" work they do. There is something incredibly bold about naming someone after the very act of healing.
Final Thoughts on Naming
A name is a tool. In many magical traditions, knowing the "true name" of something gives you power over it. By choosing a "good" name, you are essentially setting the boundaries of your own power. You are saying: "This is what I do. I protect. I heal. I see."
Whether you go with something classic like Beatrix or something earthy like Fern, make sure it doesn't just sound like a costume. The best good witch names are the ones that feel like they’ve always existed, tucked away in the back of a dusty book or growing quietly in the shade of an old oak tree.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Research the "Language of Flowers" (Victorian Floriography) to find a botanical name with a specific hidden meaning that aligns with your intent.
- Look through your own family tree for "lost" names from the 1800s; these often have the exact vintage, magical feel that modern names lack.
- Cross-reference any name you like with its original linguistic root to ensure the meaning doesn't contradict the "good" energy you are trying to project.