Entry № 0049 · Anglo-Saxon origin

Aelfgifu Aelfgifu — Meaning, Origin & Baby Name Popularity

/ AYLF-gee-voo /

Gender

Girl

Origin

Anglo-Saxon

Meaning

"Elf-gift (Anglo-Saxon queen)"

Syllables

Rank · US 2025

№ 0

First recorded

Medieval (Anglo-Saxon)

The meaning

A name that means "elf-gift (anglo-saxon queen)".

Aelfgifu combines the Old English ælf (elf) and gifu (gift) — "elf-gift." The name of several Anglo-Saxon queens, most notably Ælfgifu of Northampton (c. 990-1040), the first wife of King Cnut the Great who ruled Norway as regent for their son Svein.

Among the most influential Anglo-Saxon names.

Elf-gift. The Anglo-Saxon queen of Cnut the Great.

Popularity

Where Aelfgifu stands.

Current rank · 2025

№ 0 in the U.S.

All-time peak

№ 0 in 0

Babies named Aelfgifu · last year

87 in the U.S.

First entered SSA top-1000

Rank, 1995–2025 Lower = more popular

Namesakes

Aelfgifus before her.

Real people

Ælfgifu of Northampton

Wife of Cnut the Great.

c. 990 – 1040

In fiction

Aelfgifu

Common in Anglo-Saxon historical fiction.

Names connected to Aelfgifu.

Numerology

The number behind Aelfgifu.

The Pioneer

Aelfgifu reduces to one — the number of Anglo-Saxon queen.

Parents on Aelfgifu

Why families chose this name.

"Elf-gift. Eight letters. Aelfgifu."

Catherine · Mother of one · Winchester