'atheling' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ætheling', where 'æthel' meant 'noble' and the suffix '-ing' meant 'descendant' or 'belonging to'.

'atheling' changed from the Old English word 'ætheling' and appeared in Middle English (often spelled 'atheling' or 'atheling'); the term gradually fell out of general use after the Middle Ages and is now chiefly found in historical or literary contexts.

Initially, it meant 'noble-born person, especially a prince (eligible for the throne)', but over time it became archaic and is now used mainly to refer to historical princes or in literary/historical descriptions.