Thelred
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Thelred
Thelred is an English unisex name, which has 7 letters.
Thelred is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English words ‘þeod’ meaning ‘people’ and ‘ræd’ meaning ‘counsel’. It has the meaning of ‘wise counsel’ or ‘wise leader’.
Rating
Be the first one to vote!
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
Detailed Information About The Name Thelred
The name Thelred is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "þeud" meaning "people" and "ræd" meaning "counsel." Thus, Thelred can be interpreted to mean "noble counsel" or "wise advisor." Thelred is a historically significant name, notably associated with two Anglo-Saxon kings who ruled over England during the early medieval period.
The first notable Thelred in history is Æthelred the Unready, who reigned as the King of England from 978 to 1013 and then again from 1014 to 1016. Despite the name's translation suggesting wisdom, Æthelred's reign was filled with turmoil and misfortune. He struggled to defend the kingdom against Viking invasions, and his lack of effective leadership earned him the epithet "the Unready," which actually meant "without counsel" or "ill-advised" during that time.
The second prominent Thelred in history is Thelred II, also known as Thelred the Great, who ruled as the King of Mercia, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom, from 675 to 704. He was known as a wise and just ruler and played a crucial role in defending England against the invading Northumbrians. Thelred II is remembered for his efforts to Christianize his kingdom, founding important abbeys and promoting learning in his realm.
Over time, the name Thelred has persisted but has become less common. Nevertheless, it still carries a sense of historical significance and noble heritage. Those who bear the name Thelred today can look back on the impactful figures who shared their name and find inspiration in the stories of their predecessors.
Similar English Baby Names
- Ethelred(U)
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your BabyUnusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names