Fred Boy
Origin(s)
Pronunciationfred / /frɛd/Germanic; Old English
Meaning
Peaceful ruler; joyful
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Fred is derived from the Old High German name "Friduwald," which is composed of the elements "fridu," meaning "peace," and "wald," meaning "rule" or "power." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning into the Old French "Friedrich" before being adopted into Middle English as "Frederick." The name ultimately became shortened to Fred as a diminutive form, which gained popularity in English-speaking countries over time.
Historically, the name Frederick has been borne by several notable figures, including Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, who reigned in the 12th century, and Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, King of Prussia in the 18th century. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in literature and historical texts, including the King James Bible, which contributed to its recognition and use in English-speaking contexts. The name Fred itself began to be used more frequently as a standalone name in the 19th century, reflecting a broader trend of adopting diminutive forms as given names.
Culturally, the name Fred has been associated with notions of peace and leadership, resonating with the original meanings of its components. It has been used in various literary and popular contexts, reinforcing its presence in Western culture. The name Fred also has a notable connection to figures in folklore and popular media, such as Fred Flintstone from the animated television series "The Flintstones," which has contributed to its enduring recognition. Overall, the name Fred carries a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in its etymological origins and historical milestones.
Trend Summary
Fred has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Freddie
- Freddy
International Variants
- Friedrich (German)
- Fredo (Italian)
- Frederik (Dutch)
- Fritz (German)
Famous people named Fred
Fred Astaire is a dancer, singer, and actor best known for Top Hat, Swing Time, and Shall We Dance.
Fred Rogers is a television personality best known for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Fred Durst is a musician best known as the lead vocalist of Limp Bizkit.
Fred Savage is an actor and director best known for The Wonder Years, The Princess Bride, and Boy Meets World.
Fred Armisen is a comedian and actor best known for Saturday Night Live, Portlandia, and Documentary Now!.
Fred Couples is a professional golfer best known for winning The Masters and being a prominent figure in golf.
Fred Schneider is a musician best known as the lead vocalist of the B-52's.
Fred Willard is an actor and comedian best known for Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, and This Is Spinal Tap.
Fred MacMurray is an actor best known for My Three Sons, Double Indemnity, and The Apartment.
Fred Gwynne is an actor best known for The Munsters and My Cousin Vinny.
Fictional characters named Fred
Fred Flintstone is a fictional character from the animated television series The Flintstones. He is the bumbling yet lovable husband and father who works at the Slate and Company quarry in the prehistoric town of Bedrock.
Fred Weasley is a fictional character from the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. He is one of Ron Weasley's older brothers and a co-owner of the joke shop Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, known for his mischievous personality.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Fred was first seen in the United States in 1880. Fred has ranked as high as #73 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Fred has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Fred (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 16 | |
NY | 10 | |
FL | 7 | |
TX | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 1,569 |
1881 | 1,418 |
1882 | 1,641 |
1883 | 1,502 |
1884 | 1,638 |
1885 | 1,562 |
1886 | 1,599 |
1887 | 1,454 |
1888 | 1,665 |
1889 | 1,554 |
1890 | 1,506 |
1891 | 1,362 |
1892 | 1,628 |
1893 | 1,493 |
1894 | 1,475 |
1895 | 1,483 |
1896 | 1,393 |
1897 | 1,301 |
1898 | 1,447 |
1899 | 1,182 |
1900 | 1,646 |
1901 | 1,133 |
1902 | 1,286 |
1903 | 1,204 |
1904 | 1,223 |
1905 | 1,284 |
1906 | 1,193 |
1907 | 1,371 |
1908 | 1,381 |
1909 | 1,355 |
1910 | 1,587 |
1911 | 1,808 |
1912 | 3,103 |
1913 | 3,624 |
1914 | 4,441 |
1915 | 5,778 |
1916 | 5,745 |
1917 | 5,986 |
1918 | 6,182 |
1919 | 6,091 |
1920 | 6,298 |
1921 | 6,496 |
1922 | 6,245 |
1923 | 6,314 |
1924 | 6,532 |
1925 | 6,205 |
1926 | 6,447 |
1927 | 6,313 |
1928 | 6,036 |
1929 | 5,857 |
1930 | 6,048 |
1931 | 5,698 |
1932 | 5,525 |
1933 | 5,287 |
1934 | 5,465 |
1935 | 5,493 |
1936 | 5,602 |
1937 | 5,738 |
1938 | 5,768 |
1939 | 5,538 |
1940 | 5,582 |
1941 | 5,618 |
1942 | 6,088 |
1943 | 6,168 |
1944 | 5,580 |
1945 | 5,118 |
1946 | 6,012 |
1947 | 6,392 |
1948 | 5,376 |
1949 | 4,731 |
1950 | 4,195 |
1951 | 3,994 |
1952 | 3,960 |
1953 | 3,790 |
1954 | 3,695 |
1955 | 3,501 |
1956 | 3,578 |
1957 | 3,636 |
1958 | 3,516 |
1959 | 3,581 |
1960 | 3,397 |
1961 | 3,090 |
1962 | 2,854 |
1963 | 2,525 |
1964 | 2,465 |
1965 | 2,147 |
1966 | 1,879 |
1967 | 1,688 |
1968 | 1,570 |
1969 | 1,575 |
1970 | 1,503 |
1971 | 1,281 |
1972 | 1,039 |
1973 | 1,021 |
1974 | 890 |
1975 | 840 |
1976 | 799 |
1977 | 747 |
1978 | 694 |
1979 | 612 |
1980 | 585 |
1981 | 582 |
1982 | 554 |
1983 | 546 |
1984 | 449 |
1985 | 463 |
1986 | 443 |
1987 | 380 |
1988 | 392 |
1989 | 416 |
1990 | 385 |
1991 | 368 |
1992 | 316 |
1993 | 314 |
1994 | 256 |
1995 | 245 |
1996 | 257 |
1997 | 221 |
1998 | 217 |
1999 | 200 |
2000 | 157 |
2001 | 182 |
2002 | 187 |
2003 | 152 |
2004 | 161 |
2005 | 148 |
2006 | 175 |
2007 | 143 |
2008 | 133 |
2009 | 121 |
2010 | 107 |
2011 | 105 |
2012 | 106 |
2013 | 102 |
2014 | 111 |
2015 | 101 |
2016 | 108 |
2017 | 105 |
2018 | 99 |
2019 | 98 |
2020 | 83 |
2021 | 98 |
2022 | 83 |
2023 | 98 |
2024 | 99 |