Wilfred is an English masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German elements "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "frið" which means "peace." The name was popular among the Normans who brought it to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages but has since become less common, now considered somewhat old-fashioned. Notable individuals with the name Wilfred include Wilfred Owen, a renowned English poet and soldier of World War I, and Wilfred Thesiger, a British explorer and traveler known for his journeys in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.
The name Wilfred saw its peak popularity around the early 20th century, particularly during World War I when there were over 700 births each year from 1915 to 1917. However, since then, its usage has significantly declined, with only a few dozen births per year occurring in recent decades. In fact, as of 2023, the name Wilfred has become quite rare, with just 28 babies being named Wilfred at birth.