Entry № 0778 · Anglo-Saxon origin

Etheldreda Etheldreda — Meaning, Origin & Baby Name Popularity

/ EH-thel-DREE-dah /

Gender

Girl

Origin

Anglo-Saxon

Meaning

"Noble strength (Anglo-Saxon saint of Ely)"

Syllables

Rank · US 2025

№ 0

First recorded

Medieval (Anglo-Saxon)

The meaning

A name that means "noble strength (anglo-saxon saint of ely)".

Etheldreda combines the Old English æthel (noble) and thrȳth (strength) — "noble strength." Saint Etheldreda (c. 636-679) was the East Anglian princess who founded Ely Abbey — one of the most powerful Anglo-Saxon women.

The name Audrey is the modern descendant of Etheldreda.

Anglo-Saxon Saint of Ely Abbey.

Popularity

Where Etheldreda stands.

Current rank · 2025

№ 0 in the U.S.

All-time peak

№ 0 in 0

Babies named Etheldreda · last year

87 in the U.S.

First entered SSA top-1000

Rank, 1995–2025 Lower = more popular

Namesakes

Etheldredas before her.

Real people

Saint Etheldreda

Anglo-Saxon abbess of Ely.

c. 636 – 679

In fiction

Etheldreda

Common in Anglo-Saxon historical fiction.

Names connected to Etheldreda.

Numerology

The number behind Etheldreda.

The Seeker

Etheldreda reduces to seven — the number of Anglo-Saxon saint.

Parents on Etheldreda

Why families chose this name.

"Saint of Ely. Ten letters. Etheldreda."

Catherine · Mother of one · York