Aelfthryth – Name Meaning
Aelfthryth is an Old English name, derived from the elements ælf (elf) and þryð (strength). It was popularized by Aelfthryth, a 10th-century queen consort of England. The name has been used in Britain since the Middle Ages and is still occasionally found today.
Origin and History
The name Aelfthryth is composed of two Old English elements: ælf, meaning “elf” or “magical being”, and þryð, meaning “strength” or “power”. Together, these two elements create a name that can be translated to mean “powerful elf” or “strong magical being”.
The earliest known bearer of this name was Aelfthryth, a 10th-century queen consort of England. She was the daughter of Ordgar, Ealdorman of Devon, and wife of King Edgar the Peaceful. She was also the mother of Edward the Martyr and Ælfthryth, who later became Queen of Wessex.
The name Aelfthryth was popular during the Middle Ages in Britain and was used by several other notable figures throughout history. These include Aelfthryth de Vere, Countess of Oxford in the 12th century; Aelfthryth de Bohun, Countess of Hereford in the 13th century; and Aelfthryth Talbot, Baroness Talbot in the 15th century.
Modern Usage
Today, the name Aelfthryth is not as common as it once was but is still occasionally used in Britain. It is most often seen as a middle name rather than a first name. It can also be spelled in various ways such as Alfritha, Elfrida, Elftrude, and Elfreda.