The name of a 6th century Christian saint, Arthelais was the daughter of a Roman official who had to flee to Italy after the emperor Justinian tried to compromise her vows of chastity. She was kidnapped by highway men on her way, but was later freed, after the servants travelling with her prayed for her release. She is venerated as the patron saint of kidnap victims, exiled people, and the sick.
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The exact etymology of the name is unknown, though it could have been inspired by the saint's mother's name, listed as Aithusa or Anthusa, meaning "light up" and "flower" respectively. Alternatively, it might be a Latinized and feminized form of Arthur meaning "bear";  a variation on the Greek name Arethusa meaning "quick water"; or a diminutive of Artemis meaning "butcher" or "safe". Based on other Greek names and elements, "bread of the people, nourisher of people" might be another option. This is all conjecture however, and there may be other possibilities.
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The Italian form of the name is Artellaide.

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