aeþel

aeþel is an Old English word that appears as a prefix in many Anglo-Saxon names. Its meaning is generally understood to be "noble" or "princely". This prefix was a common element in the naming conventions of the aristocracy and royalty during the Anglo-Saxon period in England. Examples of names incorporating aeþel include Aethelred, meaning "noble counsel", and Aethelstan, meaning "noble stone". The use of this prefix signified a person's high social standing or lineage. It is a key indicator of the importance placed on nobility and hereditary status within Anglo-Saxon society. The word's etymology can be traced back to Proto-Germanic roots, reflecting a long-standing cultural association with noble qualities. While the spoken language evolved, the influence of such terms can still be observed in the etymology of modern English words and personal names derived from Anglo-Saxon origins.