The Merovingian dynasty owes its name to the semi-legendary Merovech (Latinised as Meroveus or Merovius and in French as Merovée), leader of the Salian Franks. The victories of his son Childeric I (reigned c. 458 – 481) against the Visigoths, Saxons, and Alemanni established the basis of Merovingian land.
