Amalbirga

This name derives from the Germanic name “Amalaberga,” composed of two elements: “*amal / ama-l” (work, vigor, courage, brave, bold, diligent, Amali dynasty) plus “*berganą” (to take care, to preserve, to protect, to save, to help, to rescue). The Amali, also called Amals or Amalings, were the leading dynasty of the Goths, a Germanic people who confronted the Roman Empire in its declining years in the west. According to Gothic legend, the Amali were descended from an ancient hero whose deeds earned him the epithet of Amala or “mighty.” 1) Amalaberga was the daughter of Amalafrida, daughter of Theodemir, king of the Ostrogoths. Her father is unknown, and her uncle was Theodoric the Great. 2) Saint Amalberga of Maubeuge was a Lotharingian saint who lived in the 7th century. It was rumored that she was the sister or niece of Pippin of Landen and would have married Count Witger, Duke of Lotharingia.