Alfred is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Germanic elements "adal" meaning noble and "wulf" meaning wolf. It is often translated to mean "noble wolf."
The name Alfred first gained prominence through Alfred the Great, King of Wessex in the late 9th century. He was known for his bravery and military prowess against Viking invaders, leading to a significant increase in popularity for the name after his reign.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Alfred. In literature, Alfred, Lord Tennyson is renowned as one of England's most famous poets. In science, Alfred Nobel is recognized as the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. These individuals, along with King Alfred the Great, have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Alfred over centuries.
Today, Alfred remains a classic and respected name, often associated with wisdom, leadership, and strength. Despite its historic roots, it continues to be chosen by parents for their sons due to its timeless appeal and powerful meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Alfred experienced varying levels of popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Alfred was given to around 5-7 babies per year. However, this number began to increase significantly during World War I. Between 1917 and 1921, there were an average of 23 births named Alfred per year, with a peak of 29 in 1921.
This trend continued throughout the 1920s, with the name remaining popular among parents. Between 1925 and 1931, there were at least 30 babies named Alfred each year, reaching a high of 40 births in 1931.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the mid-1930s. From 1934 onwards, the number of babies named Alfred fell below 20 per year, with some years seeing as few as 6 births with this name.
This downward trend continued throughout the rest of the century, with fluctuations but no major resurgences in popularity. In recent decades, the name Alfred has become quite rare, with fewer than 10 babies being named Alfred each year between 1982 and 1994.