Eldridge

The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: A) from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) name “Ælfric,” composed of two elements: “ælf” (elf, supernatural being) plus “rīċe,” meaning “chief, ruler.” B) From the Anglo-Saxon name “Æðelric,” composed of two Old High German and Ancient Germanic elements: “*aþalaz,” meaning “noble, nobleman, aristocratic, eminent, glorious, excellent” plus “*rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” The name means “the noble and mighty ruler.” 1) Ælfric of Eynsham (~955–1010) was an English abbot, as well as a consummate, prolific writer in Old English of hagiography, homilies, biblical commentaries, and other genres. 2) Æthelric was an 11th-century Englishman. It had been thought he was elected the Archbishop of York on 11 January 1041 and deprived of the office in 1042. However, following further studies, he is no longer listed to have been archbishop.