Æthelwine is an Anglo-Saxon given name, a variant of Æðelwine. Derived from the Old English elements æðele 'noble' and wine 'friend', it means 'noble friend'. The name belongs to the common Germanic compound-name tradition, akin to Old High German Adalwin. Historical and Cultural Significance Æthelwine was borne by several Anglo-Saxon saints and bishops. Notable among them are Æthelwine of Lindsey, a 7th-century bishop; Æthelwine of Abingdon, abbot of the same abbey (died 1030); and Æthelwine of Athelney and Æthelwine of Sceldeforde, both revered as saints. Æthelwine of Durham (died 1071) served as bishop after the Norman Conquest, one of the few to retain his office before being deposed. In secular affairs, Æthelwine, Ealdorman of East Anglia (died 992), son of Æthelstan Half-King, was a powerful nobleman. Another Æthelwine, son of Æthelweard, died at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937. The name became rare after the Norman Conquest due to the introduction of Norman and French names, but it survived in a clipped form. Modern descendants in English include Alwin, Alvin, and Elvin. Across Germanic languages, Alwin is still used, while German cognates such as Adalwin also occur. Pronunciation and Variants In Old English, Æthelwine was pronounced [ˈæθɫˌwi.ne]. The variant Æðelwine differs only in spelling, using the letter ð (eth) instead of þ (thorn). Both represent the same phoneme. Notable Bearers Æthelwine of Lindsey –7th-century bishop, venerated as a saint. Æthelwine of Abingdon (died 1030) – Abbot of Abingdon. Æthelwine of Durham (died 1071) – Bishop of Durham, deposed by William the Conqueror. Æthelwine, Ealdorman of East Anglia (died 992) – influential Anglo-Saxon nobleman. Æthelwine (died 937) – Son of Æthelweard, died at Brunanburh. Meaning: 'noble friend' Origin: Old English Type: First name (male) Usage regions: Anglo-Saxon England