Ethel
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Noble
Background: The name Ethel originates from the Old English word 'æthel,' meaning 'noble.' This term was used historically in Germanic languages, emphasizing aristocratic lineage and social status.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#140
Total births
280,380
Most popular decade
1910s
(191,847 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+1,119 ranks)
Years in Top 100
60
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
0.5% male
99.5% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #809
- Peak year
- 1928
- Peak year births
- 48
- Peak rank
- #992
- Most recent year
- 1968
- Recent year births
- 5
- Recent rank
- #4,136
Female
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 633
- First year rank
- #38
- Peak year
- 1918
- Peak year births
- 8,075
- Peak rank
- #28
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 27
- Recent rank
- #4,873
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).