What does Manfred mean and where does it come from?
The name Manfred is derived from the Germanic elements 'mann' meaning 'man' and 'fred' meaning 'peace'. It was popularized in the Middle Ages in Germany and became a common name in various forms across Europe. The English adaptation 'Manfred' gained popularity after Lord Byron's narrative poem 'Manf
Cultural significance
Manfred has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of man of peace.
Peak popularity
Reached #1164 in 1936 — currently #11764 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Manfred?
Manfred works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Manfred Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Manfred Rose
Floral · soft ending
Manfred Mae
Sweet · timeless
Manfred Claire
French influence · crisp
Manfred Jane
Literary · strong
Manfred Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Manfred right now?
Rising fast — up 1596 spots — currently #11764 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #11764 | 6 | ▲ up 1596 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #13360 | 5 | ▼ down 3842 · -29% births |
| 2020 | #9518 | 7 | ▲ up 229 |
| 2010 | #9747 | 7 | ▲ up 474 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #10221 | 6 | ▼ down 1029 |
| 2000 | #9192 | 6 | ▼ down 4358 · -50% births |
| 1995 | #4834 | 12 | ▲ up 594 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #5428 | 9 | ▲ up 427 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #5855 | 6 | ▼ down 1301 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #4554 | 8 | ▼ down 1763 · -43% births |
| 1975 | #2791 | 14 | ▼ down 463 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #2328 | 16 | ▼ down 977 · -52% births |
| 1965 | #1351 | 33 | ▲ up 320 · +38% births |
| 1960 | #1671 | 24 | ▼ down 75 |
| 1955 | #1596 | 24 | — |
The story of Manfred
Manfred entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. With 1,443 total births recorded, Manfred remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1847 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11764 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Manfred in 1936:
Manfred by decade
Manfred peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 102 | |
| 1920s | 166 | |
| 1930s | 238 | |
| 1940s | 115 | |
| 1950s | 200 | |
| 1960s ★ | 274 | |
| 1970s | 125 | |
| 1980s | 75 | |
| 1990s | 74 | |
| 2000s | 32 | |
| 2010s | 30 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎With 1,443 total births, Manfred is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Manfred?
DUTCH
MeineMeinoMeintMennoMinke
GERMAN
FredMeineMeinoMenno
Famous people named Manfred
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Manfred (Scandinavian royal)
Manfred held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
M(
Manfred (medieval German ruler)
Manfred bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
M(
Manfred (Norse explorer)
Manfred carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
M(
Manfred (German philosopher)
Manfred used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Manfred?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Manfred also consider these
How is Manfred written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Manfred?
Common questions about the name Manfred
What does the name Manfred mean?
Manfred means "man of peace" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Manfred?
Manfred is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Manfred?
Manfred originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Manfred?
Manfred is a two-syllable name pronounced M AE1 N F R IH0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Manfred a common or rare name?
Manfred is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.