Adelelmo

This name derives from Old High German name “Adalhelm,” composed of two elements: “*aþalaz” (noble, nobleman, aristocratic, eminent, glorious, excellent) plus “*helmaz” (helmet, protection). In turn, the name means “noble protector, noble patron.” Aldhelm (~639–709), Abbot of Malmesbury Abbey, Bishop of Sherborne, Latin poet and scholar of Anglo-Saxon literature, was born before the middle of the 7th century. Aldhelm was on his rounds in his diocese when he died at the church of Doulting in 709. The body was taken to Malmesbury, and crosses were set up by his friend, Egwin, Bishop of Worcester, at the various stopping-places.