Ethel
Fact sheet
- Name
- Ethel
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The female first name Ethel derives from various names that begin with the syllable 'Ethel-'. The translation of the name is 'the Noble', 'the Aristocratic', or 'the Noblewoman'.
What does the name Ethel mean?
The first name Ethel is a short form of names that begin with 'Ethel-'. It carries the meanings 'the Noble', 'the Aristocratic', and 'the Noblewoman' and has its roots in the Old English word æðel, which means 'noble' or 'aristocratic'. Another possible origin is the Anglo-Saxon Saint Etheldreda (Ethelthryth), who was born in 636 in North England and is greatly revered in England; her feast day is June 23 (Anglican). There may also be connections to other names such as Ethelred or Ethelfrid. Another variant of the name is Etel or Etela.
Where does the name Ethel come from?
The name Ethel has its origins in Old English and means 'the Noble'.
How do you pronounce Ethel?
The pronunciation of Ethel is clear and distinct. The name is two syllables and is usually pronounced in German as 'E-thel' [ˈɛtəl], while the English pronunciation is [ˈɛθəl]. It begins with an open E sound, signaling a clear articulation. The consonant cluster in the middle provides a distinctive structure, while the final consonant gives the name a stable closure. Ethel conveys a classic and characterful impression - simple, present, and sonically impressive.
Popularity
Ethel is a relatively common first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 4,045th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 2010, when Ethel reached 2,348th place. In the last ten years, the name has been given about 30 times, placing it 5,239th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 5,037th.
Nicknames & pet names
Elli / Eta / Ethi
Similar first names
Etheldreda
Famous people
- Ethel Blyth (American actress)
- Ethel Collins Dunham (American physicist)
- Ethel Fortner (American writer)
- Ethel Jane Langley (writer from Australia)
- Ethel Jewett (actress from the USA)
- Ethel Johnson (sprinter from England)
- Ethel Knight Kelly (actress from Canada)
- Ethel Lackie (swimmer from America)
- Ethel Lang (Australian actress)
- Ethel Leontine Gabain (artist from France)
- Ethel Lilian Voynich (writer)
- Ethel Lina White (1876–1944, English writer)
- Ethel Llewellyn Ennis (American singer)
- Ethel Lynn Beers (American writer)
- Ethel M. Dell (writer from England)
- Ethel Mary Smyth (American composer)
- Ethel Merman (American actress & singer)
- Ethel Muggs (character from the series 'Riverdale')
- Ethel Myers (American sculptor)
- Ethel Pedley (writer from England)
Frequently asked questions about the name Ethel
What does the name Ethel mean?
The first name Ethel means 'the Noble' or 'the Aristocratic' and has its roots in the Old English word æðel.
Where does the name Ethel come from?
Ethel has its origins in Old English and is closely associated with the Anglo-Saxon Saint Etheldreda.
How popular is the name Ethel?
Ethel was quite popular in the early 20th century but has lost popularity in recent decades; however, it is currently experiencing a comeback as a vintage name.