Alaric and The Visigoths

Over the weekend, I attended the Christening of my friend's first born to her half-German husband. She had been my friend since college, and up to now I am still wondering why we never got involved. Anyway, my friend chose me to be one of the godfathers during the baptismal rites. I now have a total of seven godchildren. Had her husband been of Italian descent, I could have pulled my Brando impersonation. What struck me was the name the father chose to give to the boy. They named him Alaric. I already expected it was German, but I have no idea about what the name meant. It was my first time hearing such name, which I personally find cute and very masculine at the same time.

I immediately consulted Uncle Google. I learned that Alaric was the name of a Visigoth king. Visigoth is Germanic tribe during the days of the Roman Empire. Alaric I led the tribe against Rome in August 410, which symbolized the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Generally you can call Alaric as the man who brought an end to the Roman Empire. I was able to speak to the father, who talks with a slightly-recognizable German accent. He told me that Alaric means "everybody's ruler." For their first born, which happens to be a boy, he wanted to give a name that would signify strength and courage. I think that by having the name of Alaric, my 7th godchild is bound for greatness.