Alvilde

This name derives from the Old Norse “alfr / ælfR,” meaning “elf, sprite, fairy, supernatural being” plus from the Ancient Germanic “*hildiz,” meaning “battle, fight.” According to Gesta Danorum, Alfhild, daughter of the Geatish king Siward, was a shieldmaiden, who had her fleet of Viking ships with crews of young female pirates raided along the coasts of the Baltic Sea. As a young princess, Alfhild’s chamber was guarded by a lizard and a snake, which scared away unworthy suitors. A Danish prince named Alf, also of Geatish descent, came to Geatland and defeated the animal guards. But Alfhild, advised by her mother, fled from Alf dressed as a man, and she became a shieldmaiden.