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)

1. (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)