Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Ethel

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Noble

      Variations

      Ethelda, Ethelred, Bethel
      The name Ethel derives from the Old English word ele, which means noble or princely. This name dates back to the early Middle Ages in England and was commonly used during the Anglo-Saxon period. Ethel was a popular choice among the Anglo-Saxon nobility, as it connoted high social standing and distinguished lineage. It was often bestowed upon both males and females, reflecting the value placed on nobility within the society.

      Throughout history, the name Ethel has appeared in various forms and spellings, including Ethel, Aethel, Ethelred, and Ethelbert. In the medieval era, Ethel held great prominence as it was borne by several significant figures, including Ethelbert, the king of Kent who played a crucial role in Christianizing England, and Ethelred the Unready, an ill-fated Anglo-Saxon king.

      While the usage of the name Ethel declined in popularity over the centuries, it still has a place in modern-day society. Today, Ethel is more commonly found as a female given name rather than a male one. Although it might not be as widely used as it once was, Ethel still resonates as a name that reflects nobility and class. Its rich historical roots and timeless meaning continue to make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with a touch of regal heritage.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Ethel.
      William

      William

      This is the most common name of those married to a Ethel.
      Ethel

      Ethel

      This is the most common name for a child of a Ethel.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1890 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ethel.

      Explore the origins of another name.