the number eleven

number

Also known as: 11, eleven, endleofan

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Last updated

June 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The number eleven often carries negative connotations, being sandwiched between the auspicious numbers 10 and 12. It is sometimes seen as lacking divine connection, with medieval theology referencing the "11 heads of error." The number 11 is also associated with the zodiac, as one of the 12 signs is always hidden by the sun. In Babylonian mythology, the god of chaos, Tiamat, was supported by 11 monsters. Historically, ancient Rome had a police force of 11 men tasked with hunting criminals. In sports, several teams, such as American football, soccer, and cricket, have 11 members.1

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number symbolism
11
Sandwiched between the two auspicious and important numbers 10 and 12, the number 11 generally has negative connotations. Bungus stated that 11 has no connection with the divine, and medieval theology refers to the “11 heads of error.” Because at any time one of…
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Sandwiched between the two auspicious and important numbers 10 and 12, the number 11 generally has negative connotations. Bungus stated that 11 has no connection with the divine, and medieval theology refers to the “11 heads of error.” Because at any time one of…
Read More

numerals and numeral systems
Number bases
Thus, eleven comes from Old English endleofan, literally meaning “[ten and] one left [over],” and twelve from twelf, meaning “two left”; the endings -teen and -ty both refer to ten, and hundred comes originally from a pre-Greek term meaning “ten times [ten].”
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Thus, eleven comes from Old English endleofan, literally meaning “[ten and] one left [over],” and twelve from twelf, meaning “two left”; the endings -teen and -ty both refer to ten, and hundred comes originally from a pre-Greek term meaning “ten times [ten].”
Read More