The origin of Elvis is uncertain, but most likely it’s a variant of Alvis which means “all wise” in Old Norse (“eall-wīs” in Olde English). In Norse mythology there is a dwarf character named Alvíss (All Wise) who was betrothed to Thor’s daughter Þrúðr. Thor was displeased with the notion of his daughter marrying a dwarf and so the god required Alvíss to answer a series of questions designed to prove his wisdom. Alvíss agreed to the challenge. His rapid-fire and “wise” answers to each of Thor’s questions kept him going through the night. In the end, Thor outwitted his adversary by keeping him distracted until dawn. When the first sunlight struck, Alvíss was immediately turned to stone, and so Þrúðr would remain unmarried. Aside from this mythological connection, the name Elvis is also considered the anglicized name for Saint Ailbe of Emly, a 6th century Irish saint (in this case, the Gaelic word “ailbe” is said to mean “white” or “ail” meaning “rock”). Saint Ailbe is a legendary Irish saint who was born the son of the King of Munster and a slave woman. The King sent his bastard child away with a servant to be killed, but the servant instead gave the baby to a she-wolf to be raised. Some Britons living in Ireland found Ailbe and fostered him until they all left on a ship bound for the Roman province of Gaul. Ailbe made his way to Rome where he was educated and ordained in the name of Christ. After returning to Ireland, Ailbe founded a monastery in Emly (South Tipperary). The townspeople asked Ailbe to bless a fishless river; after doing so, the river was miraculously filled with an abundance of fish. In a display of gratitude the local-people built five churches along the banks at the river’s five best fishing spots in Saint Ailbe’s honor. Today however the name Elvis is most synonymous with the “King of Rock-n-Roll” Elvis Presley (1935-1977) who received his name from his father’s middle name (Vernon Elvis Presley). Many people might be surprised to learn that the name Elvis predates the American iconic legend because it was really he who brought the name into mainstream America.