Etheldreda

For many more names, please Return to Edgar's Main Page.

Etheldreda

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Etheldreda is the modern form of an Old English name, Aethelthryth, meaning “Noble Strength” from “aethel” (noble) and “thryth” (strength).

History:
The Old English name Aethelthryth was a relatively favorite name of the Middle Ages, but by the 16th century it had turned into into Audrey and was considered vulgar.

The 19th-century trend of reviving Old English names brought the modern spelling of Etheldreda into use, though to little effect.

Pronunciation: eth-ell-dred-ah, eh-tell-dred-ah.

Alternates: Etheldred, Theldred, Theldry, Etheltred, Audrey.

Famous Bearers:
Religious Figures:
Saint Etheldreda (Aethelthryth, Audrey) (630-679)
Anglo-Saxon nun.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % named Etheldred