eþel

Eþel, also spelled Æthel, is a Germanic given name that has been used in both Old English and Old Norse contexts. The name is composed of the elements "eþel," meaning "noble," and "l," a suffix that signifies "people" or "folk." Thus, Eþel can be interpreted as "noble people" or "noble folk." The name was popular among the Anglo-Saxons and was used for both males and females. Notable individuals bearing the name include Ethelred the Unready, a king of England, and Ethelflæd, a queen of Mercia. In Old Norse, the name is spelled Æthel and was used for both male and female names. The name has also been used in modern times, though it is less common than in historical contexts.