Before naming Matilda as heir , however , he had been in negotiations to name his nephew Stephen of Blois as his heir .
Henry named his eldest daughter , the dowager Empress Matilda as his heir .
Before naming Empress Matilda as heir , however , Henry had been in negotiations to name Henry 's nephew Stephen of Blois as heir heir .
Henry named his eldest daughter , the dowager Empress Matilda as his heir .