Aelfwaru

Meaning: (Elf Guardian, derived from the Old English element aelf “elf” and waru (plural wara) “guard” (i.e., guardian of a particular place by profession),  Ælfwaru (died 27 February 1007) was an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman, who bequeathed her lands to churches such as Ely, and Ramsey. Chroniclers, writing in the 12th century, transcribed such bequests, from the original cyrographs. Ælfwaru's cyrograph has not survived. Ælfwaru's father, Æthelstan Mannessune, had two sons: Eadnoth, and Godric; and two daughters: Ælfwaru, and Ælfwyn.

Her lineage is unknown. However, modern historians have constructed a plausible family tree. Ælfwaru is believed to be one of two daughters to Æthelstan Mannessune (d. 986), the other being Ælfwyn, abbess of Chatteris. If this is the case, Ælfwaru's brothers were St Eadnoth the martyr (d. 1016), first abbot of Ramsey, and Godric (d.1013).

It is recorded within one chronicle, Liber Eliensis, that Ælfwaru granted to Ely Abbey the lands of Bridgham, Hingham, Weeting, Rattlesden, Mundford, Thetford, and fisheries around those marshes. Ælfwaru also granted the lands of Over and Barley to Chatteris nunnery, where her sister was abbess. The fisheries mentioned here are interesting. They link the Ælfwaru mentioned in Liber Eliensis, with the Ælfwaru, daughter of Æthelstan Mannessune, whose cyrograph is documented in Liber Benefactorum Ecclesiae Ramesiensis. If this is indeed the same Ælfwaru, then her father bequeathed lands to his children, including a fishery, which he shared out between his unnamed wife, his sons, and his two daughters.

The name Ælfwaru is made out of two parts; old English (OE) Ælf- and -waru. Ælf- means Elf- or magical being and -waru (singular; -wara plural) means guardian of (a particular place) by profession. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86lfwaru )

Origin: (Anglo-Saxon)

Pronunciation: (elf-wahr-yoo, ehlf-wahr-ooh)

Gender: Female

I was looking up elf meaning names and came upon this one. Though it looks very odd it is because it is Old English. I do like the meaning and the interesting look of this name. It wouldn’t fit everywhere I would say but if used the right way it could name an amazing characters name and interesting story as to why it was used by an author. The only down fall is the pronunciation which is a tad difficult but that aside I like it a lot. The pronunciation is my take on it because I literarily couldn’t find it anywhere. Given the rarity of this name I am not surprised by my lack of finding a pronunciation. If anyone has it could you please just comment and let me know.

 

I do rather like the history of the noblewoman named this. Plus I have used a later version of her father's name Athelstan *see on list of posts* before in one of my novels. Aelfwaru is a strong name which I really like and I may someday add her siblings names to this blog as they are rather interesting and strong too.