Ethel
Ethel is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Noble or noble nature.
Origin and history
Ethel is derived from Old English roots meaning noble. Though predominantly used as a feminine name in modern times, historical U.S. records show it was occasionally bestowed on boys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is extremely rare as a male given name in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
1,490 babies in the United States have been named Ethel since 1880. It ranks #3246 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- MS (69.9 %)
- TX (12.6 %)
- AL (5.5 %)
- NY (3.8 %)
- AR (2.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 73 |
| 1890-1900 | 140 |
| 1900-1910 | 181 |
| 1910-1920 | 287 |
| 1920-1930 | 338 |
| 1930-1940 | 279 |
| 1940-1950 | 106 |
| 1950-1960 | 56 |
| 1960-1970 | 30 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Fun facts
- Ethel originated as a short form or prefix in Old English names like Æthelred or Æthelstan, derived from 'æðele' meaning noble.
- While primarily a female name in recent decades, over 1,400 boys in the United States were named Ethel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.