Alfred

What does the baby name Alfred mean? Learn about what Alfred means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Alfred - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Alfred: A-L-F-R-E-D, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Alfred: AL-frəd; AL fred
Meaning of Alfred: Wise counselor, counselor, advice from elves, elf counsel.
Origin of Alfred: The name 'Alfred' has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the elements 'aelf', meaning 'elf' or 'supernatural being', and 'raed', meaning 'counsel' or 'advice'. Therefore, the name 'Alfred' can be interpreted as 'wise counsel from the elves' or 'elf counsel'. It is believed to have first appeared in the 9th century in England.; American Names; Anglo Saxon Names; British Names; English Names; French Names; Germanic Names; Old English Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Alfred: Aelfric; Ailfrid; Ailfryd; Al; Alfeo; Alfie; Alfredas; Alfredo; Alfried; Avery; Elfric; Elfrid; Fred; Freddie; Fredo
Popularity of Alfred: Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Alfred' has experienced fluctuations. In the early Middle Ages, it was a widely used name among the Anglo-Saxon population. It gained prominence with the reign of King 'Alfred' the Great, who ruled Wessex in the 9th century. His accomplishments and contributions to education and law enforcement led to the name's popularity among the English nobility.

In the 19th century, the name 'Alfred' experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom. This can be attributed to the admiration for 'Alfred' the Great and the romanticized notion of the Anglo-Saxon era. However, in recent years, the name has seen a decline in usage, as parents opt for more modern and unique names for their children.; Alfred currently has 117 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked boy's names. The name Abram is slightly more popular than Alfred.

Etymology of Alfred

The etymology of the name 'Alfred' can be traced back to its Old English roots. The element 'aelf' refers to elves or supernatural beings, which were prominent in Anglo-Saxon folklore. The element 'raed' signifies counsel or advice, highlighting the importance of wisdom and guidance associated with the name. The combination of these elements gives the name 'Alfred' a sense of mystical wisdom and guidance.

Cultural Significance of Alfred

The name 'Alfred' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In English history, it is closely associated with King 'Alfred' the Great, who is revered as one of the most influential and visionary rulers of the Anglo-Saxon period. His efforts to promote education and his military successes against Viking invasions have solidified his place in history and contributed to the name's cultural significance.

In addition, the name 'Alfred' has been used in literature and popular culture. One notable example is the character 'Alfred' Pennyworth, the loyal butler and confidant of Batman in DC Comics. This portrayal has added a layer of sophistication and reliability to the name, making it appealing to fans of the Batman franchise.