Origin and Meaning of Fred

Peaceful ruler

Origin: Germanic - Derived from the Old High German name 'Friedrich', which is composed of the elements 'frid' meaning 'peace' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power'.

• Fred has been a traditional masculine name, commonly used in English-speaking countries.
• In the United States, the name Fred experienced peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century.
• Notable bearers of the name include Fred Astaire, the famous American dancer and actor, and Fred Rogers, beloved host of the children's television show 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood'.
• While Fred itself has seen a decline in usage in recent decades, it often appears as a short form of Friedrich, Frederick, and other similar names in various cultures.
• Variations and related names include Freddie, Frederic, and Friedrich, showcasing the name's versatility across cultures.