The name Cadfael originates from Old Welsh, derived from the elements 'cat' meaning 'battle' and 'mael' meaning 'prince', thus translating to 'battle prince'. This name was notably the birth name of Saint Cadoc, a revered figure in Welsh history. In modern times, the name gained prominence through Ellis Peters' series of historical murder mysteries, 'The Cadfael Chronicles', where Cadfael is depicted as a Welsh Benedictine monk with a rich background as a former soldier and sailor, embodying a b...