ethel

Etymology

From Old English æðel or æþel, meaning "noble." Originally, Ethel was a short form of various Anglo-Saxon names beginning with this element, such as Ethelred, Ethelbert, and Etheldreda. It became popular as an independent name in the 19th century during the Victorian era's revival of medieval names. The name was common in the early 20th century but has declined in usage since then.