Wilfredo is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name Wilfred, which is composed of the elements "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "fridu" meaning "peace." Therefore, the name Wilfredo translates to "desiring peace."
The name Wilfredo has been used in various forms throughout history. The most notable figure with this name was Wilfred the Hairy, also known as Wilfred of York, who was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king and saint. He is believed to have lived from around 634 to 695 AD, and his feast day is celebrated on October 12.
The use of the name Wilfredo has been more common in Spanish-speaking countries than in English-speaking ones. However, it has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries as well, often as a variant of Wilfred or Alfredo.
In literature, there have been several notable characters named Wilfredo. One example is Wilfredo Gómez, a Puerto Rican boxer featured in Oscar Hijuelos' novel "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love." Additionally, there was a character named Wilfredo in the Spanish soap opera "Cruz de Liebe," which aired from 2010 to 2011.
Overall, while Wilfredo may not be as widely known or used as some other names, it has a rich history and an appealing meaning that makes it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Wilfredo experienced significant popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, peaking at 196 births in 1963. However, it declined thereafter, with fewer than 100 births per year after 1975. In recent years, it has been quite uncommon, with totals ranging from 30 to 73 births annually since 2011. Overall, Wilfredo was given as a name 9516 times between 1926 and 2023.