Æthelred married first Ælfgifu, daughter of Thored, earl of Northumbria, in about 985.[15] Their known children are:
Æthelstan Ætheling (died 1014)
Ecgberht Ætheling (died c. 1005)[27]
Edmund Ironside (died 1016)
Eadred Ætheling (died before 1013)
Eadwig Ætheling (executed by Cnut 1017)
Edgar Ætheling (died c. 1008)[27]
Eadgyth or Edith (married Eadric Streona)
Ælfgifu (married Uchtred the Bold, ealdorman of Northumbria)
Wulfhilda (married Ulfcytel Snillingr)
Abbess of Wherwell Abbey