History of the star: A brilliant lilac and ashy color star in the elbow of the Champion, Perseus.

Arabic Mirfak, Mirzac, Marfak or Al Mirfaq (1), "The elbow" of the Pleiades - i.e. next to the Pleiades. The title comes from the Arabians' Marfik al Thurayya, thus qualified as being next to the Pleiades to distinguish it from the other elbow. But this may indicate a different representation of Perseus in their day, — a suspicion strengthened by the nomenclature of others of his stars. Assemani alluded to a title on the Borgian globe, — Mughammid, or Muliammir, al Thurayya, "the Concealer of the Pleiades", — which, from its location, may be for this star.

Other titles were Algenib, with the early variations of Algeneb, Elgenab, Genib, Chenib, and Alchemb, is from Al Janb, "the Side", its present position on the maps.

[Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinchley Allen, 1889].

The astrological influences of the constellation: It gives an intelligent, strong, bold and adventurous nature, but a tendency to lying.  By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Lamed and the 12^th Tarot Trump "The Hanged Man". (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology , Vivian E. Robson, 1923) 

The constellation is indicative of events effecting large numbers of people, especially those events caused by major meteorological phenomena. When prominent in a natal chart it is said to denote adventurous individuals, but also those who are less than honest in their dealings with others. (Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990).