Mainly English, but derived from Old English/Old German diminutives of names beginning with the Old German element "Ethel-", meaning "noble". Those names are now extremely rare and although it enjoyed some popularity in the early 20th century, Ethel is also now going out of favour.
Ethel and Audrey are both derived from Etheldreda and are consequently defined as Lesser Synonyms on this site. Note also that Etheldreda may be used as a Latinised form of Ethel in old documents. Care must be taken to allow for variations in case endings.
A correspondent [BF] working on the Ryerson Index [Contemporary Death Notices and Obituaries in Australian Newspapers] found Ettie used as a nickname for Ethel. |
