Why are alewives called alewives?

Alewives are called so because the term originally referred to a female who sold ale. In medieval England, these women often operated taverns or inns, and the term "alewife" became associated with both the trade of brewing and selling ale. Over time, the name also came to refer to a species of fish, Alosa pseudoharengus, which is commonly found in North America and is known for its abundance in coastal waters. The connection between the fish and the term likely stems from the fish's historical significance as a food source in communities where ale was brewed and consumed.