Log in · Sign up

Alfred Boy

Popularity: #641 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAL-fred / /ˈæl.frɛd/

Old English; German

Meaning

Old English: elf counsel; German: noble counsel

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alfred has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements 'ælf,' meaning 'elf,' and 'ræd,' meaning 'counsel' or 'advice.' This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to 'elf counsel' or 'wise counselor.' The name was recorded in various forms, including 'Aelfred' in Old English, which transitioned into the Latinized form 'Alfredus' during the medieval period, eventually evolving into the modern English 'Alfred.' The name entered the English lexicon through the influence of Anglo-Saxon culture and literature, particularly during the early medieval period.

One of the most significant historical figures bearing this name is King Alfred the Great, who reigned from 871 to 899. He is renowned for his defense of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms against Viking invasions and is often credited with laying the foundations for what would later become England. His contributions to education, law, and military strategy were pivotal during a time of great upheaval. Alfred's legacy was further solidified by the translation of important texts into English, including the 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicle,' which chronicled the history of the Anglo-Saxons.

Culturally, the name Alfred has been associated with wisdom and leadership, reflecting the qualities of its most famous bearer. The name has appeared in various literary works and historical texts, reinforcing its significance in English heritage. Additionally, diminutive forms such as 'Alf' have emerged, though they are less prominent in historical contexts. The enduring nature of the name Alfred can be attributed to its strong historical associations and the positive attributes linked to its meaning, making it a name of considerable cultural resonance throughout the centuries.

Trend Summary

Alfred has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, often associated with vintage name trends.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Alf
  • Alfie

International Variants

  • Alfredo (Spanish)
  • Alfredo (Italian)
  • Alfred (French)
  • Alfredo (Portuguese)

Famous people named Alfred

Alfred Hitchcock is a film director best known for Psycho, Rear Window, and North by Northwest.

Alfred Nobel is an inventor and philanthropist best known for establishing the Nobel Prizes.

Alfred Lord Tennyson is a poet best known for In Memoriam, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and The Lady of Shalott.

Alfred Molina is an actor best known for Spider-Man 2, Frida, and Boogie Nights.

Alfred Einstein is a physicist and musicologist best known for his work on the theory of relativity and contributions to music theory.

Alfred Dreyfus is a military officer best known for being the central figure in the Dreyfus Affair.

Alfred Adler is a psychologist best known for founding individual psychology and his theories on inferiority complexes.

Alfred E. Neuman is a fictional character best known as the mascot of Mad magazine.

Alfred Kinsey is a biologist and sexologist best known for the Kinsey Reports on human sexual behavior.

Fictional characters named Alfred

Alfred Pennyworth is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe. He is the loyal butler and father figure to Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alfred was first seen in the United States in 1880. Alfred has ranked as high as #70 nationally, which occurred in 1928, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Alfred has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alfred (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 28
13%
NY 22
10%
FL 20
9%
TX 17
8%
MA 14
7%
MI 13
6%
VA 12
6%
OH 11
5%
IL 11
5%
PA 11
5%
MN 10
5%
UT 9
4%
MO 9
4%
GA 8
4%
TN 7
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880469
1881466
1882523
1883457
1884520
1885446
1886480
1887468
1888536
1889472
1890549
1891499
1892542
1893530
1894521
1895551
1896527
1897513
1898645
1899496
1900640
1901506
1902590
1903557
1904600
1905591
1906632
1907738
1908739
1909763
1910922
19111,158
19122,210
19132,577
19143,347
19154,231
19164,278
19174,424
19184,873
19194,615
19205,006
19214,925
19224,833
19235,005
19244,929
19254,796
19264,726
19274,756
19286,252
19294,928
19304,558
19313,949
19323,899
19333,268
19343,159
19353,128
19363,252
19373,181
19383,008
19392,990
19403,062
19413,052
19423,408
19433,445
19443,047
19452,894
19463,238
19473,417
19483,245
19493,189
19503,235
19513,203
19523,134
19533,132
19543,044
19552,980
19562,946
19572,822
19582,712
19592,543
19602,407
19612,281
19622,129
19631,987
19641,963
19651,655
19661,608
19671,633
19681,494
19691,496
19701,418
19711,371
19721,163
19731,075
1974973
1975950
1976902
1977948
1978895
1979836
1980864
1981815
1982834
1983808
1984748
1985675
1986672
1987682
1988721
1989634
1990643
1991577
1992571
1993524
1994453
1995449
1996423
1997378
1998372
1999338
2000350
2001345
2002284
2003274
2004267
2005280
2006282
2007301
2008278
2009262
2010225
2011219
2012212
2013208
2014288
2015232
2016266
2017252
2018254
2019286
2020250
2021254
2022289
2023245
2024293