Old English Translator — Free Anglo-Saxon Converter Online
The Old English Translator converts modern English text into authentic Old English (Anglo-Saxon) instantly — free, no sign-up required. Features special characters þ (thorn), ð (eth), æ (ash), and ƿ (wynn).
Common Old English Phrases
| English | Old English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Wes þū hāl | Be well (literal) |
| Thank you | Þancie þē | I thank you |
| I love you | Ic lufie þē | I love you |
| King | Cyning | Sovereign |
| Warrior | Cempa | Champion |
| Dragon | Draca | Dragon |
| Peace | Friþ | Peace |
| Battle | Gūþ | War/Battle |
What Is Old English (Anglo-Saxon)?
Old English, also called Anglo-Saxon, is the earliest recorded form of the English language, spoken from approximately 450 to 1150 AD. It was brought to Britain by Germanic settlers and is the language of Beowulf. Today only about 15% of its vocabulary survives, but that includes the most common words in modern English.
Special Characters in Old English Script
- æ (Ash) – A vowel between 'a' and 'e'.
- þ (Thorn) – Voiceless 'th' as in 'think'.
- ð (Eth) – Voiced 'th' as in 'this'.
- ƿ (Wynn) – Early 'w' sound.
Old English vs Middle English — Key Differences
Old English is fully Germanic and unintelligible to modern speakers. Middle English (after 1066) shows heavy French influence and is closer to modern English. Chaucer is partially readable; Beowulf requires translation.
Who Uses This Old English Translator?
- Historical fiction authors
- Students of medieval literature
- Gamers and fantasy worldbuilders
- Tattoo enthusiasts
- Linguistic researchers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Old English?
Old English is the earliest form of the English language, spoken from 450 to 1150 AD. It is also called Anglo-Saxon and is the language of Beowulf.
Is Old English the same as Anglo-Saxon?
Yes. Both terms refer to the same language.
What is the difference between Old English and archaic English?
Old English is a distinct Germanic language. Archaic English refers to older forms of Modern English (thee, thou) from the 16th–18th centuries.
Can I translate my name into Old English?
Yes. Our tool converts modern names to their Anglo-Saxon equivalents.
What do þ and ð mean?
Both represent 'th' sounds – thorn (voiceless) and eth (voiced). Scribes used them interchangeably.
Is this tool free?
Completely free — no sign-up, no subscription.
Can I copy and paste Old English text?
Yes, all special characters are preserved when copied.
How is Old English related to Old Norse?
Both are Germanic languages sharing a common ancestor; Old English was influenced by Old Norse due to Viking settlements.