Ælfric is an Anglo-Saxon masculine given name, derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and ric "ruler, king". It is a cognate of the Germanic name Alberich. The name was common in Anglo-Saxon England, and various forms and derivatives have survived in modern surnames. Etymology and History The name reflects the typical Germanic onomastic tradition of combining two distinct elements to create a meaningful compound. The first element, ælf, means "elf" — a supernatural being in Germanic mythology often associated with beauty and magic. The second element, ric, means "power, ruler, king". Thus Ælfric can be interpreted as "elf-ruler" or "powerful as an elf". The name is cognate with Old High German Albric and Alberich, the latter being the name of a dwarf-sorcerer in the Nibelungenlied. Notable Bearers Ælfric was a relatively common name among Anglo-Saxon clergy and nobility. Prominent bearers include: Ælfric of Abingdon (died 1005), Archbishop of Canterbury (995–1005), sometimes recognized as a saint. Ælfric of Eynsham (c. 955–c. 1010), abbot and prolific writer in Old English, known for his homilies and translations of the Bible. Ælfric Puttoc (died 1051), Archbishop of York. Several bishops of Elmham, Hereford, and Crediton from the 10th and 11th centuries. Ælfric Cild, a layman recorded in the Domesday Book. Cultural and Linguistic Significance The name appears in numerous historical records, reflecting its popularity among the Anglo-Saxon elite. It also lends its name to the literary corpus known as Ælfric's Catholic Homilies, one of the most important surviving examples of Old English religious prose. The name experienced a revival in the 19th century through scholarly enthusiasm for the Anglo-Saxon period, though it remains rare. Meaning: "Elf ruler" (Old English ælf "elf" + ric "ruler, king") Origin: Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Type: Cognate of Germanic Alberich Usage: Medieval England; revived occasionally in modern times Variants: ?Aelfric?, Alberic