Origin and Meaning of Alfred

Counselor to elves / Elf strength

Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English name Ælfræd, composed of the elements 'ælf' (elf) and 'ræd' (counsel or advice).

• Alfred was a popular name in Anglo-Saxon England and is historically associated with Alfred the Great, a 9th-century king known for his defense against Viking invasions and contributions to education and the law.
• The name has variations in several cultures, including Alfredo in Italian and Spanish, and Alfreda as a feminine form.
• Notable bearers include Alfred Einstein (a physicist and a member of the Einstein family), Alfred Nobel (the founder of the Nobel Prizes), and Alfred Hitchcock (the renowned film director).
• Alfred experienced fluctuating popularity over the centuries, seeing a decline in use in the mid-20th century but has been making a gradual comeback in recent years.
• Related names and variations include Al, Alf, Alfie, and Alfreda, each carrying its own unique charm and femininity.