700 Time Period Names that Define History

Welcome to a journey through time, where we unveil not just 700 time period names, but glimpses into the heartbeats of history itself. As Mark Twain once quipped, “The very ink with which history is written is merely fluid prejudice.” In these creative time period names, we challenge the boundaries of mere ink and delve into the captivating narratives etched in the tapestry of ages.

Having spent three immersive years as a Naming Specialist, I’ve ventured into realms where names transcend beyond mere labels, becoming portals to stories waiting to be told. My expertise in Fantasy Character naming has honed my skills in the art of etymology, cultural nuances, and the magic of encapsulating worlds within a handful of letters.

Prepare to embark on a journey that promises not just names, but keys to unlock your imagination. Amidst these curated names, a unique gem awaits you, a name that will resonate with your quest for distinction. So let the expedition commence, as we traverse epochs, cultures, and dreams, discovering the past through the lens of evocative names.

Time Period Names

time period Names

  • Celestial Dawn
  • Midnight Mirage
  • Velvet Eclipse
  • Rustic Renaissance
  • Enigmatic Era
  • Ethereal Epoch
  • Mosaic Moments
  • Sapphire Centuries
  • Whispers of Antiquity
  • Infinite Intervals
  • Cobalt Chronology
  • Luminous Eon
  • Enchanted Eras
  • Ivory Intervals
  • Neon Nostalgia
  • Mystic Millennia
  • Crimson Crossroads
  • Opal Odyssey
  • Gilded Generations
  • Prismatic Phases
  • Echoed Ages
  • Twilight Timelines
  • Astral Anecdotes
  • Solstice Sagas
  • Obsidian Odyssey
  • Mirage Momentum
  • Jade Junctions
  • Ember Epics
  • Stellar Sequences
  • Silent Spectrums
  • Aetheric Arcs
  • Nova Narratives
  • Rosewood Rhythms
  • Quantum Quarters
  • Celestial Stanzas
  • Ruby Reverie
  • Amethyst Aspects
  • Chronos Chapters
  • Opaque Origins
  • Chromatic Cycles
  • Echoed Eras
  • Enchanted Enclaves
  • Sapphire Sagas
  • Golden Gradients
  • Vermilion Vignettes
  • Velvet Vistas
  • Cognac Chronicles
  • Gossamer Glimpses
  • Iridescent Idylls
  • Whispering Waves
  • Silent Shifts
  • Cobalt Crescendo
  • Ethereal Epochs
  • Ephemeral Echoes
  • Enigmatic Enigmas
  • Cardinal Chronicles
  • Ultraviolet Vortex
  • Aeon Arcane
  • Opulent Octaves
  • Azure Analeptic
  • Ember Expanse
  • Solar Synchrony
  • Indigo Intersection
  • Vermilion Voyages
  • Celestial Cadence
  • Achromatic Apogee
  • Harmonic Hues
  • Ebon Echelons
  • Astral Allegory
  • Polychrome Phases
  • Whispering Whirls
  • Cardinal Chronology
  • Echoed Edges
  • Arcane Azures
  • Nebula Nostalgia
  • Radiant Resonance
  • Cobalt Chronicles
  • Echoing Eternities
  • Opal Omens
  • Lustrous Lifetimes

20 Time Period Names With Meanings

time period Names

  1. Ancient Mesopotamia – Cradle of Civilization in the Fertile Crescent.
  2. The Gilded Age – An era of extreme wealth and social inequality in the late 19th century America.
  3. Age of Enlightenment – A period of intellectual and cultural growth in Europe.
  4. The Renaissance – A time of artistic and intellectual rebirth in Europe.
  5. The Space Race – Competition between the US and USSR in space exploration.
  6. The Roaring Twenties – A decade of economic prosperity and cultural revolution in the US.
  7. The Golden Age of Islam – A period of great achievements in science, arts, and culture.
  8. The Victorian Era – Queen Victoria’s reign, characterized by industrial growth and strict societal norms.
  9. The Age of Exploration – European voyages to discover new lands and trade routes.
  10. The Industrial Revolution – A period of significant technological advancements and industrialization.
  11. The Byzantine Empire – Eastern Roman Empire’s continuation after the fall of Rome.
  12. The Tang Dynasty – A golden age of Chinese culture and economic prosperity.
  13. The Maya Civilization – Ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for its advanced achievements.
  14. The Age of Discovery – European explorations and maritime expansions worldwide.
  15. The Edo Period – Tokugawa Shogunate’s rule in Japan, marked by stability and isolation.
  16. The Bronze Age – A time when bronze tools and weapons were prevalent.
  17. The Age of Antiquity – Early civilizations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and others.
  18. The Age of Revolution – A time of political and social upheavals in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  19. The Viking Age – Norse seafaring and raids during the medieval period.
  20. The Neolithic Revolution – Transition from hunting-gathering to settled farming societies.

Time Period Names In Order

time period Names

  • Primordial Epoch – Origin Era
  • Archaic Age – Ancient Dawn
  • Paleolithic Era – Stone Ancestry
  • Mesolithic Epoch – Transitional Time
  • Neolithic Age – New Stone Age
  • Bronze Era – Alloyed Dawn
  • Iron Epoch – Metal Advancement
  • Classical Age – Intellectual Flourish
  • Medieval Era – Middle Dawn
  • Renaissance Epoch – Cultural Rebirth
  • Enlightenment Age – Intellectual Illumination
  • Industrial Revolution – Mechanized Advancement
  • Victorian Era – Ethical Elegance
  • Progressive Age – Societal Reform
  • Modern Epoch – Contemporary Phase
  • Postmodern Era – Cultural Shifting
  • Information Age – Digital Advancement
  • Space Age – Celestial Exploration
  • Technological Era – Technological Advancement
  • Digital Age – Virtual Transformation
  • Biotech Epoch – Biological Advancements
  • Sustainable Age – Eco-Conscious Era
  • AI Revolution – Artificial Intelligence Era
  • Quantum Age – Subatomic Frontier
  • Cosmic Epoch – Universal Realm
  • Transcendental Age – Spiritual Enlightenment
  • Interstellar Era – Galactic Exploration
  • Cyberspace Age – Virtual Reality Time
  • Singularity Epoch – Technological Singularity
  • Celestial Era – Cosmic Ascendance

Japanese Time Period Names

time period Names

  • Jomon Period – Cord-Marking Era
  • Yayoi Era – Foreign Influences
  • Kofun Epoch – Ancient Burials
  • Asuka Age – Early Capitals
  • Nara Period – Buddhist Establishment
  • Heian Era – Peace and Tranquility
  • Kamakura Epoch – Shogunal Rule
  • Muromachi Age – Samurai Dominance
  • Azuchi-Momoyama Period – Unification Era
  • Edo Era – Tokugawa Shogunate
  • Meiji Period – Industrial Modernization
  • Taisho Epoch – Cultural Reformation
  • Showa Era – Turbulent Times
  • Heisei Period – Technological Advancements
  • Reiwa Era – Beautiful Harmony
  • Sengoku Age – Warring States
  • Bakumatsu Era – End of Edo
  • Genroku Period – Cultural Flourish
  • Bunka-Bunsei Era – Intellectual Enlightenment
  • Kan’ei Epoch – Economic Prosperity
  • Tenpyo Era – Tang Dynasty Influence
  • Hakuho Period – Cultural Exchange
  • Taiho Age – Legal Codification
  • Tenmu Epoch – Imperial Governance
  • Jingu Epoch – Legendary Empress
  • Ninken Period – Benevolent Leadership
  • Yoro Age – Law and Order
  • Eiji Era – Ancient Chronicles
  • Konin Epoch – Political Stability
  • Tenki Period – Heavenly Auspiciousness

Middle Ages Time Period Names

  • Dark Ages – Knowledge Suppression
  • Migration Period – Tribal Movements
  • Merovingian Era – Frankish Rule
  • Carolingian Age – Charlemagne’s Empire
  • Viking Age – Norse Expansion
  • High Middle Ages – Cultural Revival
  • Feudal Period – Lordly Domination
  • Crusader Era – Holy Wars
  • Angevin Epoch – Angevin Dynasty
  • Mongol Invasion – Genghis Khan’s Conquests
  • Late Middle Ages – Decline of Feudalism
  • Black Death – Plague Catastrophe
  • Renaissance Period – Artistic Enlightenment
  • Tudor Age – Tudor Monarchy
  • Ottoman Empire – Islamic Supremacy
  • Hundred Years’ War – Anglo-French Conflict
  • Byzantine Period – Eastern Roman Empire
  • Hanseatic League – Trading Confederation
  • Reconquista Era – Iberian Peninsula Recapture
  • Mamluk Sultanate – Slave Dynasty
  • Timurid Empire – Central Asian Conquest
  • Golden Horde – Mongol Successor State
  • Italian Renaissance – Italian Art Revival
  • Wars of the Roses – English Civil Strife
  • Aztec Empire – Mesoamerican Supremacy
  • Inca Civilization – Andean Dominance
  • Chola Dynasty – South Indian Rule
  • Song Dynasty – Chinese Prosperity
  • Vijayanagara Empire – Southern Indian Supremacy
  • Magyar Conquest – Hungarian Settlement

Star Wars Time Period Names

  • Old Republic Era – Galactic Senate Rule
  • Rise of the Empire – Sith Ascendance
  • Galactic Civil War – Rebellion Against Empire
  • New Republic Era – Restored Republic Rule
  • New Jedi Order – Jedi Resurgence
  • Legacy Era – Descendants’ Struggles
  • Age of Resistance – Fight Against First Order
  • High Republic Era – Golden Age of Jedi
  • Sith Empire – Dark Side Dominion
  • Clone Wars – Republic Conflict
  • Age of Rebellion – Alliance’s Fight
  • Mandalorian Wars – Mandalore’s Expansion
  • Great Hyperspace War – Sith Empire Expansion
  • Rule of Two – Sith Doctrine
  • War of the Worlds – Intergalactic Conflict
  • Fall of the Jedi – Order’s Demise
  • Era of Darkness – Sith Domination
  • The Force Unleashed – Starkiller’s Quest
  • Age of the Sith – Dark Side Influence
  • The Old Jedi Order – Ancient Jedi Principles
  • The Galactic Empire – Palpatine’s Regime
  • The Resistance – Defiance Against First Order
  • The Clone Troopers – Cloned Army Loyalty
  • The Skywalker Legacy – Anakin’s Progeny
  • Knights of Ren – Kylo Ren’s Followers
  • The Sith Lords – Dark Side Masters
  • The Mandalorian – Bounty Hunter Tales
  • The Rebel Alliance – Defiance Against Empire
  • The First Order – Kylo Ren’s Dominance
  • The Chosen One – Anakin’s Prophecy

Historical Time Period Names

The Stone Age – Primitive Civilization

The Classical Era – Ancient Greek & Roman Influence

The Age of Exploration – Global Voyages

The Gilded Age – Industrial Prosperity

The Cold War – Ideological Tension

The Roaring Twenties – Jazz Age Euphoria

The Great Depression – Economic Collapse

The Victorian Era – Queen Victoria’s Reign

The Space Race – Space Exploration Competition

The Scientific Revolution – Knowledge Advancement

The Age of Enlightenment – Intellectual Awakening

The Salem Witch Trials – Witchcraft Hysteria

The Wild West – Frontier Pioneering

The Renaissance – Artistic Rebirth

The Industrial Age – Mechanization Period

The Age of Revolution – Political Upheaval

The Age of Empires – Imperial Conquests

The Golden Age – Cultural Flourishing

The Age of Enlightenment – Intellectual Awakening

The Age of Extinction – Species Decline

The Jazz Age – Jazz Music Proliferation

The Age of Enlightenment – Intellectual Awakening

The Viking Age – Norse Seafaring

The Age of Steam – Steam Engine Revolution

The Age of Reason – Rationalist Thinking

The Renaissance – Artistic Rebirth

The Industrial Revolution – Mechanization Phase

The Age of Enlightenment – Intellectual Awakening

The Great Migration – Mass Exodus

The Age of Enlightenment – Intellectual Awakening

APUSH Time Period Names

The Columbian Exchange – New World Encounter

The American Revolution – Independence Struggle

The Antebellum Period – Pre-Civil War Era

The Gilded Age – Industrial Wealth

The Progressive Era – Social Reforms

The Roaring Twenties – Jazz Age Prosperity

The New Deal – FDR’s Reforms

The Civil Rights Movement – Racial Equality Fight

The Vietnam War – Controversial Conflict

The Cold War – Superpower Tension

The Reconstruction Era – Post-Civil War Rebuilding

The Great Depression – Economic Downturn

The Revolutionary War – Independence War

The Harlem Renaissance – African-American Art Revival

The Civil War – North vs. South

The Manifest Destiny – Westward Expansion

The Space Race – Space Exploration Competition

The Trail of Tears – Native American Tragedy

The Louisiana Purchase – Land Acquisition

The Dust Bowl – Environmental Disaster

The War of 1812 – British-American Conflict

The Seneca Falls Convention – Women’s Rights Gathering

The Emancipation Proclamation – Slave Freedom Decree

The Great Society – LBJ’s Social Programs

The Korean War – North vs. South Conflict

The Boston Tea Party – Colonial Protest

The Oregon Trail – Westward Migration

The Underground Railroad – Slave Escape Network

The Watergate Scandal – Political Controversy

The 26th Amendment – Voting Age Reduction

Prehistoric Time Period Names

Hadean Eon – Molten Formation

Archean Eon – Earliest Life

Proterozoic Eon – Oxygen Evolution

Cambrian Period – Diversification Explosion

Ordovician Period – Marine Proliferation

Silurian Period – Land Colonization

Devonian Period – Age of Fishes

Carboniferous Period – Lush Forests

Permian Period – Mass Extinction

Triassic Period – First Dinosaurs

Jurassic Period – Age of Giants

Cretaceous Period – Dinosaur Dominance

Paleogene Period – Mammalian Proliferation

Neogene Period – Ice Age

Pleistocene Epoch – Megafauna Era

Holocene Epoch – Modern Civilization

Mesozoic Era – Age of Reptiles

Cenozoic Era – Age of Mammals

Precambrian Time – Ancient Past

Triassic-Jurassic Extinction – Mass Die-Off

Permian-Triassic Extinction – Catastrophic Wipeout

Ordovician-Silurian Extinction – Marine Collapse

Late Devonian Extinction – Reef Devastation

Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction – Dino Demise

Quaternary Period – Ice Age Epoch

Paleozoic Era – Ancient Life

Devonian-Carboniferous Extinction – Late Devonian Crisis

Neoproterozoic Era – Oxygen Rise

Great Oxygenation Event – Oxygen Revolution

Cryogenian Period – Frozen Earth

Colonial Time Period Names

Roanoke Colony – Lost Settlement

Jamestown Colony – First Permanent English Settlement

Plymouth Colony – Pilgrim Arrival

Massachusetts Bay Colony – Puritan Establishment

New Netherland – Dutch Rule

Virginia Colony – Southern Plantations

Maryland Colony – Religious Freedom Haven

New France – French Settlements

Pennsylvania Colony – Quaker Haven

Georgia Colony – Debtors’ Refuge

Rhode Island Colony – Religious Tolerance Sanctuary

Connecticut Colony – Fundamental Orders Establishment

Delaware Colony – Swedish and Dutch Influence

Carolina Colony – Proprietary Experiment

New Hampshire Colony – Economic Opportunity Hub

New Jersey Colony – Proprietary Rule

Nova Scotia Colony – Acadian Settlement

Barbados Colony – Sugar Plantation Hub

Massachusetts Bay Colony – Puritan Influence

Quebec Colony – French Dominion

South Carolina Colony – Rice Plantations

New York Colony – Dutch and English Control

Virginia Colony – Tobacco Plantations

Georgia Colony – Buffer Colony

Maryland Colony – Religious Tolerance Society

Plymouth Colony – Pilgrim Haven

New England Colonies – Puritan Settlements

Carolina Colony – English Land Grant

Massachusetts Bay Colony – Economic Prosperity

New France – Fur Trade Dominance

Ancient Time Period Names

Sumerian Civilization – Mesopotamian Beginnings

Egyptian Old Kingdom – Pyramid Age

Indus Valley Civilization – Urban Centers

Shang Dynasty – Oracle Bones

Minoan Civilization – Aegean Splendor

Babylonian Empire – Hammurabi’s Code

Hittite Empire – Iron Advancements

Assyrian Empire – Military Dominance

Zhou Dynasty – Mandate of Heaven

Persian Empire – Achaemenid Rule

Greek Archaic Period – City-States Flourish

Roman Republic – Senate Rule

Maurya Empire – Ashoka’s Reign

Qin Dynasty – Terracotta Army

Han Dynasty – Silk Road Expansion

Gupta Empire – Golden Age

Mayan Civilization – Mesoamerican Brilliance

Carthaginian Empire – Maritime Power

Aztec Empire – Central American Dominance

Inca Civilization – Andean Supremacy

Hellenistic Period – Alexander’s Legacy

Ptolemaic Dynasty – Egyptian Rule

Mycenaean Civilization – Bronze-Age Greeks

Phoenician Civilization – Seafaring Pioneers

Persian Empire – Imperial Conquests

Indus Valley Civilization – Urban Advancements

Minoan Civilization – Aegean Prosperity

Roman Empire – Classical Dominance

Zhou Dynasty – Ancient Chinese Rule

Sumerian Civilization – Mesopotamian Splendor

time period Names

How To Choose A Good Time Period Name

Selecting an appropriate name for a historical time period is more than just a semantic exercise; it is a journey through the annals of history. These names hold the power to encapsulate an era’s essence, conjuring images of days gone by and setting the stage for understanding its unique character. Whether you’re crafting a narrative, designing a game, or simply engaging in historical discourse, the name you choose for a time period serves as a gateway to understanding. In this article, we’ll explore the intricate process of choosing a compelling and evocative time period name, guiding you through the layers of research, creativity, and precision involved in this endeavor.

Understanding the Essence of the Time Period

Before embarking on the quest for a suitable time period name, it’s crucial to immerse yourself in the era you’re dealing with. Extensive research is your compass here. Dive into historical texts, documents, and firsthand accounts to understand the key characteristics that define the era. What were the prevailing socio-political structures? What technological advancements marked the time? By delving into the heart of the period, you can pinpoint the aspects that truly matter and are worthy of encapsulation in a name.

Finding Inspiration

When it comes to inspiration, the past is a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked. Seek guidance from the literature, art, and culture of the time. A poem, a painting, or even a political cartoon can offer invaluable insight into the mood and prevailing sentiments. Analyze how the people of that era expressed themselves and what values they held dear. These cultural artifacts can guide you towards a name that resonates with the era’s spirit.

Uniqueness and Memorability

Steer clear of generic labels that fail to capture the nuances of the time. Instead, aim for names that not only distinguish the period but also leave a lasting impression. Harness the power of evocative language and imagery to create a name that transports your audience to that specific juncture in history. By striking the balance between uniqueness and memorability, your time period name will stand as a beacon of historical accuracy and creative artistry.

Consistency and Accuracy

Precision is paramount. A well-chosen time period name should align seamlessly with the historical facts of the era. Avoid anachronistic terms that might inadvertently misrepresent the time. Consult historical records and experts to ensure your chosen name encapsulates the core essence of the era, while avoiding any jarring disconnect between the name and the actual historical context.

Emotional Resonance

Every era carries its own emotional weight, a unique amalgamation of triumphs, struggles, and aspirations. Your time period name should tap into this emotional resonance. Consider the prevailing emotions of the time: was it an era of hope, turmoil, or innovation? By channeling these emotions into the name, you bridge the temporal gap and invite modern audiences to empathize with the people of that time.

Testing and Feedback

Before finalizing your time period name, it’s essential to seek the input of peers and experts. Sharing your proposed name with others can provide fresh perspectives and insights you might not have considered. Constructive criticism can guide you towards refinement, ensuring that your chosen name is universally resonant and accurately representative of the era.

Conclusion

In the vast mosaic of history, the significance of time period names cannot be underestimated. They are the signposts that guide us through the labyrinth of the past, illuminating the diverse epochs that have shaped our world. The exploration of 700 time period names has been a journey of discovery, offering a panoramic view of human evolution, culture, and innovation. From the grandeur of the Renaissance to the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution, these names encapsulate the essence of bygone eras.

As we’ve traversed through these names, we’ve witnessed the power of language to encapsulate the spirit of a time. Each name is a key that unlocks a treasure trove of stories, events, and emotions. The diversity of names, from the lyrical to the descriptive, reveals the kaleidoscope of human experiences across ages and continents. From Ancient Mesopotamia to the Space Age, these names transport us to pivotal moments and showcase the resilience, creativity, and progress of humanity.

In the end, these 700 time period names stand as a testament to our shared heritage. They remind us that the pages of history are not static, but a continuum of growth, change, and adaptation. Let us continue to explore, learn, and draw inspiration from these names as we navigate the currents of time, united by the thread of human history that connects us all.

Related:

Spanish Renaissance Names