What does the baby name Ethel mean? Learn about what Ethel means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Ethel - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
The name 'Ethel' is derived from the Old English word 'æthel', which is related to the Old High German word 'adal' and the Old Norse word 'aðal', both of which mean 'noble' or 'nobleman'. The name reflects a desire to bestow upon the child qualities associated with nobility, honor, and high social standing.
In Old English culture, names held great significance and were often chosen to reflect the values and aspirations of the individual or their family. The name 'Ethel' was associated with the qualities of nobility, honor, and respectability. It represented a desire for the child to grow up to be a person of high social standing and moral character.