Astrild

Swedish

Alternative forms

Aſtrild (archaic)

Etymology

Coined by Swedish linguist and poet Georg Stiernhielm in 1668. Pseudo-loan from Icelandic, derived from ástar (“love”) +‎ eldr (“fire”). Likely inspired by given names such as Astrid and Ragnhild. Seems to have been created as a Nordic name to the Greco-Roman counterpart; compare Näcken (“Neptunus, Poseidon”).

Proper noun

Astrild ? (genitive Astrilds)

(literary) A (Nordic) substitute for Amor, Cupid, the god of love
Synonyms: Amor, Cupido

Coordinate term: Näcken
- 1776, Johan Gabriel Oxenstierna, Ceremonial vid Drotning Christinas Torner-Spel den 9 Mars, 1650, page III:
  Aſtrilds ſeger bör bekröna
  Segren ſom Bellona ger.
  Cupid's victory should crown
  The victory that Bellona gives.

References

Astrild in Svenska Akademiens ordbok (SAOB)