This article presents two studies of name phrases (noun phrases designating an individual, with a personal name as their head) in sources from Stockholm from around 1500 and 1700. The structure of such phrases, and the lexicon of commonly used name-phrase elements,underwent a revolution between the two points in time studied. Innovations include widespread use of family names and many new preposed attributes. The new system is more elaborate, and in general better at expressing degrees of status. Major gender differences exist at both points in time, but certain features could suggest a more individualised view of women in early modern times than in the late Middle Ages.