Waldetrudis

Waldetrudis is the Old German form of the name Waltraud. It is derived from the Old German elements walt "power, authority" and drud "strength". The name is most famously borne by a 7th-century Frankish saint, known as Saint Waltrude (French: Waudru, Dutch: Waldetrudis, Latin: Valdetrudis), who is the patron saint of Mons, Belgium, and Herentals, Belgium.

Saint Waldetrudis

According to Christian tradition, Waltrude was born in Cousolre, northern France, into a wealthy noble family. She was a sister of Aldegonde, foundress of the Maubeuge Abbey, and a cousin to Saint Aye. Waltrude married Vincent Madelgarius, the Count of Hainault, and together they had four children, three of whom also became saints: Aldetrude, Landry of Soignies (Bishop of Metz), and Madelberte of Maubeuge. After her husband founded the monastery of Hautmont, Waltrude herself dedicated her life to religious service and founded a convent near Mons, where she served as abbess until her death. Her feast day is celebrated on April 9. Both Mons and Herentals boast large medieval churches bearing her name: Sainte-Waudru in Mons and Sint-Waldetrudiskerk in Herentals.

Etymology and Related Forms

The name Waldetrudis is composed of two Old Germanic elements: walt (meaning "power, authority") and drud (meaning "strength"). It is the Old German form from which the modern German name Waltraud developed. Related forms used in German include Waltraut and the diminutive forms Traudl and Traute.

Cultural Significance

Saint Waldetrudis is venerated as a key figure in the Christianization of the region of Hainault, and her cult remained strong through the Middle Ages. The name, while now rare, especially in its Latinized form Waldetrudis, remains in use in some European countries, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, where the modern Dutch form Waltrude or the French Waudru is still encountered.

• Meaning: "power" and "strength"
• Origin: Old Germanic
• Type: Saint name
• Usage Regions: Germanic-speaking areas, Belgium, Netherlands