Walfred is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German words "walth" meaning "rule" or "power," and "frith" meaning "peace." Thus, Walfred translates to "ruler of peace" or "peaceful ruler." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Germany and Scandinavia. It is believed that the name was borne by several historical figures, including a Frankish nobleman who fought alongside Charlemagne and a Viking chieftain. Despite its rich history, Walfred remains relatively uncommon today, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Walfred has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1912 and 1945, a total of 227 babies were named Walfred. The name's peak in popularity was during the year 1916 with 18 births. However, it's important to note that the name's usage has been quite sporadic over the years, with some years seeing more than ten births while others seeing less than five. For instance, there were no recorded births named Walfred between 1934 and 1944. This shows that while Walfred was once a popular choice for parents, it is now relatively uncommon in the United States. Despite its current rarity, Walfred remains a historic name with a rich legacy, as indicated by its consistent appearance on record over several decades.