Meaning & History
Edeltraut is a German feminine given name, a variant of Edeltraud. Meaning "noble strength," it derives from the Old High German elements adal "noble" and drud "strength." The name is closely connected to the 7th-century Frankish abbess Saint Adeltrudis (also known as Aldetrude), who served as abbess of Maubeuge Abbey in what is now northern France.
Notable Bearers
A notable bearer of the variant Edeltraut is Edeltraud Koch (born 1954), a retired German swimmer. Competing for West Germany, she won a bronze medal at the 1970 European Aquatics Championships in the 100-meter butterfly. She also contributed to a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter medley relay at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, swimming in the preliminary heats.
Variants
Several variant forms exist across different cultures. Finnish equivalents include Aune, while Anglicized counterparts are Audrey, Audra, and Audie – all sharing the root meaning of "noble strength". In German, the related diminutives Traudl and Traute are also common, with Traudl famously borne by the early 20th-century Hofbräuhaus waitress and postcard model.
- Meaning: Noble strength
- Origin: Old High German Adal- (noble) + -drud (strength)
- Type: Feminine given name; variant of Edeltraud
- Usage: German
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Edeltraud Koch