What is the Meaning of the Name Ælfric?
The name Ælfric is an Old English name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words “ælf” meaning “elf” and “ric” meaning “ruler” or “king.” The name can be translated to mean “elf ruler” or “elf king.”
History of the Name
The name Ælfric was first recorded in England in the 11th century, during the reign of King Edward the Confessor. It was popular among Anglo-Saxon royalty and nobility, and was often given to sons of kings and nobles. The name was also used by some members of the clergy, including St. Ælfric of Eynsham, a Benedictine monk who wrote several religious works in Old English.
The popularity of the name declined after the Norman Conquest in 1066, but it continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times. In recent years, it has become more popular as a given name for boys.
Popularity
Ælfric is not a particularly common name today, but it does have a small following in certain parts of Europe and North America. In England, it ranked at number 4,845 on the list of most popular baby names in 2018. In Scotland, it ranked at number 2,919 on the same list.
In other countries such as Germany and Canada, it is much less common but still occasionally used as a given name.
Famous People Named Ælfric
There are few famous people with this name, but one notable example is Ælfric Bataillé (1867-1954), an English poet and playwright who wrote several plays in both English and French.
Another famous bearer of this name is Ælfric de Malmesbury (1095-1151), an English monk who wrote several religious works in Latin.
