Alfred
Alfred is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “Counsel of the elves”.
| Meaning | Counsel of the elves |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Old English |
| Pronunciation | AL-fred |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | United Kingdom, Sweden, United States |
Meaning and origin of Alfred
Alfred comes from the Old English Ælfræd, made from ælf, 'elf', and ræd, 'counsel' or 'advice', so it suggests wise or supernatural guidance. Its most famous bearer is Alfred the Great, the ninth-century king of Wessex who resisted the Viking invasions and promoted learning. The name was revived in the nineteenth century, when Alfred, Lord Tennyson was Poet Laureate.
Is Alfred a religious name?
Alfred is not a biblical name. King Alfred was a devout Christian ruler, but the name itself comes from pre-Christian English and is used today without religious meaning.
How popular is Alfred?
Regained popularity in Britain and Scandinavia in recent years, often in the form Alfie.
Gifts with the name Alfred
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Spellings and variants of Alfred
Names similar to Alfred
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alfred mean?
Alfred means 'Counsel of the elves'. It is of Old English origin.
Does Alfred have a religious meaning?
Alfred is not a biblical name. King Alfred was a devout Christian ruler, but the name itself comes from pre-Christian English and is used today without religious meaning.
How do you pronounce Alfred?
Alfred is pronounced AL-fred.
Is Alfred a boy or girl name?
Alfred is usually a boy name.