Alfred

“Elf counsel”

England origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#685US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

243.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 189800

How to pronounce Alfred

ALFR·ud

/ˈælfr.əd/ · stress on ALFR · 2 syllables

“Elf counsel”

England origin · Unisex name

What does Alfred mean and where does it come from?

Although traditionally a male name, Alfred has seen some usage as a female name as well. It originates from the Old English 'Ælfræd', where 'ælf' means 'elf' and 'ræd' means 'counsel'. The name was borne by Alfred the Great, a 9th-century King of Wessex noted for his leadership and scholarship. The

Cultural significance

Alfred has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of elf counsel.

Peak popularity

Reached #1130 in 1931 — currently #685 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Alfred?

Alfred works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Alfred Grace

How popular is Alfred right now?

Holding steady — currently #685 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#685 · Top 0.51%

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#685	1,515	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#690	1,495	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#695	1,465	▲ up 6736 · +18213% births
1980	#7431	8	▲ up 1663 · +60% births
1975	#9094	5	▼ down 4593 · -58% births
1970	#4501	12	▲ up 9 · +33% births
1965	#4510	9	▼ down 1602 · -50% births
1960	#2908	18	▲ up 2313 · +200% births
1955	#5221	6	▼ down 2302 · -54% births
1950	#2919	13	▲ up 235 · +44% births
1945	#3154	9	▼ down 940 · -36% births
1940	#2214	14	▲ up 4
1935	#2218	14	▼ down 984 · -62% births
1930	#1234	37	▲ up 275 · +23% births
1925	#1509	30	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Alfred

Best Year2023Rank #685

Peak Count1,515

Average Rank#3063

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202318 years

The story of Alfred

Alfred has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. More than 243,730 babies have been named Alfred since 1898. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2416 in 1910 to #685 in 2023. Alfred is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Alfred in 1931:

Mary Betty Dorothy Barbara Joan

Alfred by decade

Alfred peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	4,837
1890s	5,386
1900s	6,380
1910s	32,783
1920s ★	50,457
1930s	34,595
1940s	32,128
1950s	29,884
1960s	18,789
1970s	10,644
1980s	7,510
1990s	4,736
2000s	2,922
2010s	2,433
2020s	246

What are good nicknames for Alfred?

ENGLISH

AlfAlfie

GERMAN

Fred

ITALIAN

Fredo

ENGLISH

AlfredaFredaFreddie

What names sound and feel like Alfred?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alfred also consider these

Aldred

England · old counsel

Allred

Arabic · A Arabic name

Walfred

Germanic · To govern, to

Afred

English · A meaningful name

Alfreð

Arabic · A Arabic name

Alfried

Arabic · A Arabic name

Halfred

Scandinavian countries · Old Norse

Alferd

English · Elf counsel

How is Alfred written in other languages?

Gender variants of Alfred

Alfreda ENGLISH Freda ENGLISH Freddie ENGLISH Alfreda GERMAN Alfreda ITALIAN Alfreda POLISH Avery ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Alfred

What does the name Alfred mean?

Alfred means "Elf counsel" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Alfred?

Alfred is currently ranked #685 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Alfred?

Alfred originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Alfred?

Alfred is a two-syllable name pronounced AE1 L F R AH0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Alfred more of a girl or boy name?

Alfred is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.