I have always read that a lot of Anglo-Saxon names had meanings. Such as Alfred meaning "elf counsel". Was this similar to the way native Americans names such as "Crazy Horse"? Would people during Alfred's time have understood his name as "Elf Counsel"? Or did the name already lose it's meaning like our modern day names?
There have been a few different answers around this question over the years, but more answers are always welcome!
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/76e2vg/why_do_so_many_anglosaxon_names_have_something_to/doekuh3/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 This answer by /u/tim_mcdaniel looks most directly relevant
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/i1rnuu/aelfgifu_elfgift_was_seemingly_a_fairly_popular/fzzr0he/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
This answer by /u/itsallfolklore looks at how people at the time might have seen elves while also touching on your question re names
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/eeczus/what_did_medieval_people_think_about_elves/fbv1sy0/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 /u/sagathain also talks about elves here