Etheldreda \e-theldre-da, eth(e)-ld-reda\ as a girl's name is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Etheldreda is "noble strength". Name of a seventh-century saint. See Audrey. Etheldreda has 1 variant form: Dreda. For more information, see also the related name Ethel. A baby name that sounds like Etheldreda is Ethelda. View a list of the 3 names that reference Etheldreda.