Athel is a unique and distinctive name of Old English origin. It is derived from the words "æþel" which means noble or high-born, and "helm" meaning helmet. Therefore, the name Athel translates to "noble helmet". This name was popular during the Anglo-Saxon period in England and was often used as a given name for males.
The history of the name Athel is closely linked to that of the Anglo-Saxon kings who ruled over England from the 5th century onwards. One notable figure named Athel was King Æthelstan, also known as Athelstan the Glorious, who reigned from 924 to 939 AD. He is considered the first king of all England after uniting the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms under his rule.
In modern times, the name Athel has regained popularity as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. Despite its rich history and distinctive sound, it remains relatively uncommon, making it a great choice for those seeking an unusual yet significant name. Overall, the name Athel is a strong and noble choice with deep roots in English history.
In the United States, the name Athel has been given to a total of 36 babies over several years. Here's a breakdown of the number of births by year:
* In 1919, there were 6 newborns named Athel.
* The year 1921 saw an increase with 7 babies being named Athel.
* There were another 7 babies named Athel in 1928.
* In 1930, the number of newborns named Athel was back down to 6.
* The years 1935 and 1941 both saw 5 babies given the name Athel.
These statistics show that while there were some fluctuations over time, the name Athel was consistently given to a small number of babies each year during this period. It's important to note that these numbers are quite low compared to many other names, indicating that Athel is relatively uncommon. However, it's still a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for an unusual name for their child.