What does Wilfred mean and where does it come from?
The name Wilfred is of Old English origin and is commonly used as a masculine name, but the feminine adaptation has appeared in various cultures. It combines the elements 'wil' (desire) and 'fred' (peace). Historical figures include Wilfred Owen, the famous poet of World War I. It was popular in the
Cultural significance
Wilfred has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2428 in 1910 — currently #686 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Wilfred?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Wilfred?
Wilfred works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wilfred Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wilfred Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wilfred Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wilfred Claire
French influence · crisp
Wilfred Jane
Literary · strong
Wilfred Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wilfred right now?
Holding steady — currently #686 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #686 | 1,514 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #691 | 1,494 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #696 | 1,464 | ▲ up 3745 · +24300% births |
| 1925 | #4441 | 6 | ▼ down 1086 · -33% births |
| 1920 | #3355 | 9 | ▼ down 808 · -18% births |
| 1915 | #2547 | 11 | ▼ down 119 · +120% births |
| 1910 | #2428 | 5 | — |
The story of Wilfred
Wilfred entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. A total of 29,381 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2428 in 1910 to #686 in 2023. Wilfred is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Wilfred in 1910:
Wilfred by decade
Wilfred peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 308 | |
| 1890s | 510 | |
| 1900s | 767 | |
| 1910s | 5,010 | |
| 1920s ★ | 7,198 | |
| 1930s | 4,489 | |
| 1940s | 3,262 | |
| 1950s | 2,838 | |
| 1960s | 1,956 | |
| 1970s | 1,065 | |
| 1980s | 805 | |
| 1990s | 541 | |
| 2000s | 343 | |
| 2010s | 262 | |
| 2020s | 27 | |
What are good nicknames for Wilfred?
What names sound and feel like Wilfred?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wilfred also consider these
How is Wilfred written in other languages?
Gender variants of Wilfred
Common questions about the name Wilfred
What does the name Wilfred mean?
Wilfred means "Old English" — a name rooted in English 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 Wilfred?
Wilfred is currently ranked #686 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 Wilfred?
Wilfred originates from English tradition. English 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 Wilfred?
Wilfred is a two-syllable name pronounced W IH1 L 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 Wilfred more of a girl or boy name?
Wilfred is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.