British, English, Old English

English speaking countries

From the Old English elements 'ælf' (elf) and 'ræd' (counsel).

Alfred the Great was King of the Anglo-Saxons in southern England in the 9th century. His reign was well-documented by a contemporary Welsh Monk named Asser, in his 'Life of King Alfred'.

In England, the name was popular following the Norman Conquest, but fell into disuse at the end of the Medieval period. It was later revived with other Anglo-Saxon names in the 19th century, bearers including Queen Victoria's second son.

The name Alfred has been borne by poet Alfred Tennyson, film director Alfred Hitchcock, scientist Alfred Kinsey, who researched human sexuality in the 1940s and 50s, and Alfred Wegener, whose continental drift theory forms the basis of plate tectonics.

Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. Seeing it's destructive power, he decided to leave a better legacy and established the Nobel prizes. A Nobel Prize can be won for physical science, medical science, chemistry, for literary work and for peace.

The nickname Alfie is currently very popular in England and Wales - it was #16 in 2006.