Page "Ceawlin of Wessex" Paragraph 10

Whether Ceawlin is a descendant of Cerdic is a matter of debate.

Subgroupings of different West Saxon lineages give the impression of separate groups, of which Ceawlin's line is one.

Some of the problems in the Wessex genealogies may have come about because of efforts to integrate Ceawlin's line with the other lineages: it was very important to the West Saxons to be able to trace their ancestors back to Cerdic.

Another reason for doubting the literal nature of these early genealogies is that the etymology of the names of several early members of the dynasty do not appear to be Germanic, which is the origin of these peoples.

The name, Ceawlin, is one of the names that does not have a convincing Anglo-Saxon origin ; it seems more likely to be from the native Britons.