Ethel Name Meaning & Origin
Ethel
Origin of the name Ethel:
Originally a short form of any of the various Old English compound names containing the element aethel (noble), Ethel is now an independent name in its own right.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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US Popularity of Ethel Over Time

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- Comments and insights on the name Ethel
When I was a kid, gas stations sold REGULAR and HI-OCTANE ETHYL gasoline. Regular was cheaper but Ethyl was a better grade of gas. Whenever I hear the name Ethel I think of High-Octane Ethyl gasoline.
- Personal experiences with the name Ethel
My grandmother's name was Ethel. She passed when I was 13, but she was intelligent, kind, and an avid reader. She was the first woman in our family to go to college, and she was a teacher before she was married. I know this name is old-fashioned in a bad way, but I am hoping for this name to make a come-back because I think it is very strong a noble.
I don't think this name is all that bad!
- Nicknames for Ethel
E
- Meanings and history of the name Ethel
- Famous real-life people named Ethel
Ethel Barrymore, American Academy-winning stage and screen actress.
Ethel Merman, American musical theatre actress and singer.
Ethel Roosevelt Derby, daughter of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
Ethel Kennedy, wife of Bobby Kennedy
Ethel Mary Cooper (b. 2012), daughter of English singer, songwriter, actress, and television presenter Lily Allen- Ethel in song, story & screen
Ethel Mertz, character on "I Love Lucy"
"Don't look, Ethel!" in Ray Stevens' song The Streak