Alfred – Name Meaning
Alfred is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old English elements ælf (elf) and ræd (counsel). It is most commonly used as a masculine given name, but can also be used as a surname. The name Alfred has been in use since the Middle Ages and was popularized by Alfred the Great, King of Wessex in the 9th century.
History and Origin
The name Alfred is derived from the Old English elements ælf (elf) and ræd (counsel). It is most commonly used as a masculine given name, but can also be used as a surname. The name Alfred has been in use since the Middle Ages and was popularized by Alfred the Great, King of Wessex in the 9th century. He was known for his military successes against the Vikings and for his legal reforms. He was also an accomplished scholar who translated Latin works into Old English.
Popularity
Alfred has been a popular name throughout history, particularly in Europe. In England, it was among the top 10 names for boys born between 1880 and 1920. In recent years, it has become less common but still remains popular in some countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Scandinavia. In the United States, it peaked in popularity during the late 19th century but has since declined in usage.
Famous People Named Alfred
There have been many famous people named Alfred throughout history. These include:
- Alfred Nobel – Swedish chemist and inventor of dynamite
- Alfred Hitchcock – British film director
- Alfred Lord Tennyson – British poet
- Alfred Adler – Austrian psychotherapist
- Alfred Kinsey – American sexologist
Variations of Alfred
The variations of Alfred include: Alfie, Alfy, Alfréd, Alfrédo, Allfredo, Fredo.
