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.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Alfred Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alfred Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alfred Claire
French influence · crisp
Alfred Jane
Literary · strong
Alfred Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alfred right now?
Holding steady — currently #685 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
AlfredaFredaFreddie
What names sound and feel like Alfred?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alfred also consider these
How is Alfred written in other languages?
Gender variants of Alfred
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.