Aelric

Aelric is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is a composite of the elements æthel "noble" and rīc "ruler, power," from which the modern English form Æthelric (and its variants) is derived. The name has historically appeared in Old and Middle English as well as in Continental Germanic languages; variant spellings include Aelric, Æthelrick, Athelric, and Aelrick.

Historical usage: The name is attested in medieval sources, often Latinized in charters and hagiographies as Athelri(c)us or similar forms. It was most common in Anglo-Saxon England and later medieval Europe, used for both nobility and clergy. The name gradually declined in everyday use after the late medieval period.

Modern usage and culture: In modern times, Aelric is primarily encountered as a given name in fantasy literature and role-playing settings, where it is chosen for its archaic resonance. It also appears among enthusiasts of medieval history and in speculative fiction. The spelling variations persist in different languages and communities.

Related names include Æthelric and Aethelric, from which Aelric is derived, and other variants such as Athelrick and Aeloric.