Pronunciation: [ˈɛθɪlwˌʊlf] (IPA) 
The name "Ethelwolf" is spelled with five letters, consisting of the vowels /ɛ/ (as in "red"), /ə/ (as in "about"), and /u/ (as in "moon"), and the consonants /θ/ (as in "thin") and /l/ (as in "leaf"). The first syllable contains the stressed vowel /ɛ/, followed by the unstressed vowel /ə/. The second syllable contains the vowel /u/ and the consonant cluster /θl/. Overall, the IPA transcription of "Ethelwolf" is /ˈɛθəlwʊlf/.
Ethelwolf is a proper noun that refers to an Old English name of Germanic origin. It derives from the elements "ethel," meaning "noble," and "wolf," denoting "wolf." In this context, Ethelwolf can be interpreted as "noble wolf" or "noble warrior."
Historically, Ethelwolf was most prominently associated with a ninth-century king and ruler of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex in England. Ethelwolf succeeded his father Egbert and reigned from 839 to 858. During his reign, he faced invasions from Vikings, prompting a significant portion of his time being dedicated to defending his kingdom.
Ethelwolf's reign also witnessed ecclesiastical developments, with the establishment of the Benedictine monastic reform under the influence of St. Grimbald and involvement with the Church. His contributions to the Church included endowing monastic institutions and promoting education, particularly the learning of Latin.
In literature and popular culture, Ethelwolf is often associated with his illustrious son, Alfred the Great, who succeeded him as the king of the Anglo-Saxons. Alfred's reign saw the consolidation of Wessex and the resistance against further Viking invasions.
Overall, Ethelwolf holds significance as a historical figure in medieval England and exemplifies the noble and valiant spirit of a warrior king. His name continues to be used in reference to the person himself or as an inspiration for literary, historical, or even fictional characters.
The word "Ethelwolf" has Old English origins. It is a compound word consisting of two elements: "ethel" and "wolf".
1. "Ethel" is derived from the Old English word "æðele", which means noble or distinguished. It is related to the Old High German word "adal" and the Old Norse word "öðl", both of which also mean noble or noble-born.
2. "Wolf" comes from the Old English word "wulf", which refers to the animal wolf. The word is cognate with similar words in other Germanic languages such as the Old High German word "wolf" and the Gothic word "wulfs".
When combined, "ethel" and "wolf" form "Ethelwolf", which can be understood as a compound name meaning "noble wolf" or "distinguished wolf".
