Ethel Waters
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Ethel Waters is a name that combines English origins. The first name Ethel is a feminine given name of English origin. Ethel (also æthel) is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. The word comes from the Old English word æthel, meaning "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, both masculine and feminine, e.g. Æthelhard, Æthelred, Æthelwulf; Æthelburg, Æthelflæd, Æthelthryth (Audrey). It corresponds to the Adel- and Edel- in continental names, such as Adolf (Æthelwulf), Albert (Adalbert), Adelheid (Adelaide), Edeltraut and Edelgard. Some of the feminine Anglo-Saxon names in Æthel- survived into the modern period (e.g. The surname Waters: Waters is a surname, derived from "Wat", or "Wa'ter", an old pronunciation of Gaultier or Walter, and similarly derived from the surname Watson ("Wat's son"). The name is common from an early date in Wales and Yorkshire, as well as Shropshire, England. P. H. Reaney, co author of the book A Dictionary of English Surnames, said “water was the normal medieval pronunciation of Walter. Ethel is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 270K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Ethel reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: Ethel
English
Ethel (also æthel) is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. The word comes from the Old English word æthel, meaning "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, both masculine and feminine, e.g. Æthelhard, Æthelred, Æthelwulf; Æthelburg, Æthelflæd, Æthelthryth (Audrey). It corresponds to the Adel- and Edel- in continental names, such as Adolf (Æthelwulf), Albert (Adalbert), Adelheid (Adelaide), Edeltraut and Edelgard. Some of the feminine Anglo-Saxon names in Æthel- survived into the modern period (e.g.
Surname: Waters
English
Waters is a surname, derived from "Wat", or "Wa'ter", an old pronunciation of Gaultier or Walter, and similarly derived from the surname Watson ("Wat's son"). The name is common from an early date in Wales and Yorkshire, as well as Shropshire, England. P. H. Reaney, co author of the book A Dictionary of English Surnames, said “water was the normal medieval pronunciation of Walter.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Ethel is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Ethel by decade, based on birth registration data:
Notable People Named Ethel Waters
- Ethel Barrymore (film actor, 1879)
- Ethel Merman (television actor, 1908)
- Ethel Lilian Voynich (activist, 1864)
- Ethel Smyth (woman conductor, 1858)
People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Ethel Waters:
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.
Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name Ethel?
- The first name Ethel originates from English. Ethel (also æthel) is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. The word comes from the Old English word æthel, meaning "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, both masculine and feminine, e.g. Æthelhard, Æthelred, Æthelwulf; Æthelburg, Æthelflæd, Æthelthryth (Audrey). It corresponds to the Adel- and Edel- in continental names, such as Adolf (Æthelwulf), Albert (Adalbert), Adelheid (Adelaide), Edeltraut and Edelgard. Some of the feminine Anglo-Saxon names in Æthel- survived into the modern period (e.g.
- When was Ethel most popular?
- The name Ethel reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Waters?
- The surname Waters originates from English. Waters is a surname, derived from "Wat", or "Wa'ter", an old pronunciation of Gaultier or Walter, and similarly derived from the surname Watson ("Wat's son"). The name is common from an early date in Wales and Yorkshire, as well as Shropshire, England. P. H. Reaney, co author of the book A Dictionary of English Surnames, said “water was the normal medieval pronunciation of Walter.
- How common is the surname Waters?
- The surname Waters is shared by approximately 68K people worldwide.