indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Masculine
Usage Anglo-Saxon Mythology
Other Forms FormsAurvandil (Old Norse), Orentil (German), Horvandillus (latinized)
Meaning & History
Old English cognate of the Germanic name Auriwandalo, from Proto-Germanic *Auziwandilaz, composed of *auzi "dawn" and *wandilaz "wandering, fluctuating, variable". Ēarendel occurs in the Old English poem Christ I as a personification of the morning star; the following couplet (from lines 104-5, translated from the Old English) influenced J. R. R. Tolkien's portrayal of Middle-earth and his character Earendil: "Hail Earendel brightest of angels, / over Middle Earth sent to men."