Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Alfred
BoyOld English, English· “elf counsel”
- Meaning
- elf counsel
- Origin
- Old English, English
- Pronunciation
- AL-fruhd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #840
- US babies 2025
- 293
- Best rank
- #32 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1928
Meaning and origin of Alfred
Alfred is an Old English and English name that means “elf counsel”.
Alfred comes from the Old English Aelfraed, combining aelf, elf, and raed, counsel, so it means elf counsel or wise counsel. King Alfred the Great, who ruled Wessex in the ninth century, defended his kingdom against Viking invasions and encouraged learning, making the name a symbol of English heritage. Later bearers include the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson and the director Alfred Hitchcock. Alfred is back in style as a vintage choice, with the friendly nicknames Alfie and Fred.
Popularity over time
Alfred has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #32 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1928, when 6,252 were named Alfred. In 2025, 293 babies were named Alfred, and it ranked #840 nationally. That is 26% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #42 in 1920, #96 in 1950, #255 in 1980, #576 in 2000, #905 in 2010, and #840 in 2025. Of the 243,861 US boys named Alfred since records began, 21% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 34,392 babies. Since 2010, 4,072 more have been named Alfred.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Norman, Marvin, Herbert, Melvin, and Alvin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alfred ranked highest in Connecticut, Utah, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #442 | 6 |
| Utah | #476 | 9 |
| Oregon | #531 | 6 |
| Michigan | #572 | 14 |
| Pennsylvania | #607 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Alfred is usually pronounced AL-fruhd, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ed”.
Middle names for Alfred
A few middle names that flow with Alfred: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alfred
Similar names
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Lists that include Alfred
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alfred mean?
Alfred is an Old English and English name that means “elf counsel”.
What is the origin of the name Alfred?
Alfred has Old English and English roots. Alfred comes from the Old English Aelfraed, combining aelf, elf, and raed, counsel, so it means elf counsel or wise counsel.
Is Alfred a popular name?
Yes. Alfred ranked #840 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alfred a boy or girl name?
Alfred is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Alfred?
Alfred is usually pronounced AL-fruhd. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings