Ælfstan – Name Meaning
The name Ælfstan is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English words “ælf” meaning “elf” and “stan” meaning “stone.” The name can be translated to mean “elf stone,” or more literally, “stone of the elves.”
In Anglo-Saxon mythology, elves were believed to be supernatural beings that lived in forests and other wild places. They were thought to possess magical powers and could be both helpful and harmful to humans. The name Ælfstan may have been given to a child born with special gifts or abilities, or it may have been used as a way to ward off evil spirits.
The name Ælfstan has been used in England since at least the 11th century. It was popularized by the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many Anglo-Saxon names were adopted by the Normans. In modern times, the name is still relatively uncommon but is gaining popularity in some areas.
Popularity
The name Ælfstan is not currently among the top 1000 most popular baby names in England. However, it has seen an increase in usage over the past few years, suggesting that it may become more popular in the future.
Famous People Named Ælfstan
There are no famous people named Ælfstan, but there are several notable people who share this unique name. These include:
- Ælfstan of York – A 9th century Archbishop of York.
- Ælfstan of Winchester – A 10th century Bishop of Winchester.
- Ælfstan of Abingdon – A 12th century Abbot of Abingdon.
Variations of the Name
The name Ælfstan can also be spelled as Alfstane or Alvestan. There are also several variations of the name which include: Elvestan, Elvston, Elfstane, Elfston, and Elfton.
