Meaning and information about Ethel, What does Ethel mean? Ethel means Diminutive of Ethelinda: From Aethelind, the Old English name meaning noble snake. Diminutive of Etheldreda, from the Old English name Aethelthryth, meaning noble and strength. Diminutive of Eldreda from Alfred, meaning old counsel, or sage. Find similar names like Ethel.