Noble
Derived from the Old English word 'æthel', meaning noble. It was originally a prefix for longer Anglo-Saxon names like Ethelred or Ethelinda before becoming a standalone name in the 19th century. It was immensely popular in the late Victorian era but has since become a rare vintage choice.
Less common today
Ethel isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,571 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Oscar-winning stage and screen actress
Legendary Broadway singer and actress
Influential jazz and blues singer and actress
Human rights advocate and widow of Robert F. Kennedy
The loyal best friend and neighbor of Lucy Ricardo · I Love Lucy
Student at Riverdale High School · Archie Comics
American socialite and member of the Kennedy family
