What does Ethel mean in old English?
ethel is an Anglo-Saxon name that means ‘noble’, from the Old English word eth meaning ‘noble’. This name was not used very often, but it was popular among the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. It is also a spelling of the Hebrew name Eith.
What does Ethel mean in French?
Ethel does not appear in French dictionaries as a separate word, but as the French spelling of “ athel . Athel is one of the Old English names for the goddess (or the divine feminine aspect) of the Christian Trinity. This spelling, in turn, is a direct derivation of the Old English name Aðl, which is attested as the name of the goddess in the Anglo-Saxon pagan faith.
What does Ethel mean in medieval English?
Ethel was not originally a given name in English. The name was created in the Middle Ages, when it was used for a variety of different roles. Ethel was used for a woman who looked after a household, a woman who kept the keys, and a woman who spun wool. However, during the 13th century, it began to be used exclusively for a woman who looked after or tended to an animal.
What does Ethel mean in Shakespeare's English?
Shakespearean English is a form of English that developed in the Elizabethan era. It includes many spellings and usage changes that were popular at the time. In Shakespeare's plays, Ethel is used for the Old English Ealdor, a powerful woman ruler.
What does Ethel mean in Shakespearean English?
Ethel is used for many different female characters in Shakespeare's works. In most cases, it's either a nickname or a short form of Elizabeth. Shakespearean stage names were not uncommon, and Ethel was one of them. It appears as a character in Richard III, Henry VI, and The Merry Wives of Windsor.