The Meaning of the Name Æthelred
Æthelred is an Old English name, derived from two elements: æðel, meaning “noble” or “nobility” and ræd, meaning “counsel” or “advice.” Together, these two elements form a compound name that can be translated to mean “noble counsel.”
The name Æthelred has been used in England since at least the 8th century. It was popularized by King Æthelred II (also known as Æthelred the Unready), who ruled England from 978-1016. He was the son of King Edgar and Queen Elfrida, and he succeeded his half-brother Edward the Martyr to the throne.
The name Æthelred has been used throughout history in various forms. In Old English, it was spelled as Æðelræd; in Middle English, it was spelled as Aethelred; and in Modern English, it is usually spelled as Aethelred or Ethelred.
Famous People Named Æthelred
Throughout history, there have been many famous people named Æthelred. Here are some of them:
- King Æthelred II: Also known as Æthelred the Unready, he was King of England from 978-1016.
- Æthelred of Wessex: He was a 9th century king of Wessex who fought against Viking invasions.
- Æthelred I: He was a 7th century king of Mercia who fought against Northumbrian kings.
- Æthelred III: He was a 10th century king of Mercia who fought against Danish invaders.
- Æthelred IV: He was a 12th century king of England who fought against Welsh rebels.
- Æthelred V:: He was a 14th century prince of Wales who fought against English forces.
Popularity of the Name Æthelred
The name Æthelred has been used in England since at least the 8th century. However, it has never been particularly popular in modern times. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, it ranked #7,845 in popularity for boys born in England and Wales in 2019.
