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Fred Boy

Popularity: #825 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 16
41%
NY 10
26%
FL 7
18%
TX 6
15%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,569
18811,418
18821,641
18831,502
18841,638
18851,562
18861,599
18871,454
18881,665
18891,554
18901,506
18911,362
18921,628
18931,493
18941,475
18951,483
18961,393
18971,301
18981,447
18991,182
19001,646
19011,133
19021,286
19031,204
19041,223
19051,284
19061,193
19071,371
19081,381
19091,355
19101,587
19111,808
19123,103
19133,624
19144,441
19155,778
19165,745
19175,986
19186,182
19196,091
19206,298
19216,496
19226,245
19236,314
19246,532
19256,205
19266,447
19276,313
19286,036
19295,857
19306,048
19315,698
19325,525
19335,287
19345,465
19355,493
19365,602
19375,738
19385,768
19395,538
19405,582
19415,618
19426,088
19436,168
19445,580
19455,118
19466,012
19476,392
19485,376
19494,731
19504,195
19513,994
19523,960
19533,790
19543,695
19553,501
19563,578
19573,636
19583,516
19593,581
19603,397
19613,090
19622,854
19632,525
19642,465
19652,147
19661,879
19671,688
19681,570
19691,575
19701,503
19711,281
19721,039
19731,021
1974890
1975840
1976799
1977747
1978694
1979612
1980585
1981582
1982554
1983546
1984449
1985463
1986443
1987380
1988392
1989416
1990385
1991368
1992316
1993314
1994256
1995245
1996257
1997221
1998217
1999200
2000157
2001182
2002187
2003152
2004161
2005148
2006175
2007143
2008133
2009121
2010107
2011105
2012106
2013102
2014111
2015101
2016108
2017105
201899
201998
202083
202198
202283
202398
202499