Boy · 43rd of 7,545
Alfred
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
244,850
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1928
Peak Popularity Year
6,291
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Alfred stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Alfred originates from the Old English name Ælfrēd, meaning 'elf counsel' or 'wise counselor'. It has evolved through various forms, including Latin adaptations. The name is associated with traits of wisdom and leadership, particularly due to the historical figure Alfred the Great. There is no biblical relevance attached to the name, and it gained popularity in the 9th century. Today, it is recognized for its classic charm and historical significance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈæl.frəd/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Alfred is derived from the Old English name Ælfrēd, which means 'elf counsel' or 'wise counselor'. The first element 'Ælf' refers to 'elf', a supernatural being in Germanic mythology, and the second element 'rēd' means 'counsel' or 'advice'.
Meaning
elf counsel, wise counselor
Language Evolution
Ælfrēd (Old English), Alfredus (Latin), Alfred (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Alfred gained popularity in the 9th century, particularly due to the fame of Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex, who defended England against Viking invasions and promoted education and legal reform. His legacy solidified the name's prominence in England.
Variants & Derivatives
Alfie, Alfredo, Alfrede
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Alfred is often associated with wisdom and leadership due to its historical roots. It retains a classic appeal but is less common as a given name compared to its variants.
Famous People
Alfred the Great (King of Wessex), Alfred Lord Tennyson (Poet Laureate of Great Britain), Alfred Nobel (Inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,291 peak births in 1928
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 43rd of 7545 | 77,327 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 61st of 6773 | 64,480 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 122nd of 7552 | 53,607 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 202nd of 10718 | 19,281 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 355th of 16616 | 10,229 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 699th of 24088 | 4,667 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 860th of 23106 | 3,117 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1746th of 9107 | 396 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1815th of 9204 | 373 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3112th of 12526 | 271 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4851st of 19264 | 180 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12734th of 27321 | 59 |