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Wilfred

♂ Boy

Wilfred Pronunciation

Wilfred is pronounced WIL-frəd /ˈwɪl.frəd/High

Meaning: From Old English Wilfrith, 'desiring peace', from wil, 'will, desire', plus frith, 'peace'Medium

In 30 seconds: Desiring peace: Wilfred is Old English 'will + peace'. Vintage, gentle, and strong (poet Wilfred Owen).

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Origin MediumEnglish, German

MeaningFrom Old English Wilfrith, 'desiring peace', from wil, 'will, desire', plus frith, 'peace'

U.S. rank (2024)#5038 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births20 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 29,388

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Wilfred comes from Old English Wilfrith, 'desiring peace' — from wil, 'will, desire', plus frith, 'peace'. A vintage, gentle yet strong name (St Wilfrid; the war poet Wilfred Owen); nicknames Will, Fred, or Wilf.

It registers thinly today. Rare now, desiring-peace at the root, and vintage.

Did you know? Wilfred means 'desiring peace' (Old English wil + frith, 'will' + 'peace') — a vintage, gentle name (St Wilfrid; war poet Wilfred Owen); nickname Will or Fred.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Wilfred — etymology

Variations

WilfridWilfredoWilf

Nicknames

WillFredWilf

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Wilfred…

Wilfredo— the Spanish form

Winifred— a fellow Win-/Wil- vintage name

Alfred— another -fred vintage name

Warren— a fellow English choice

Walter— lands in the same popularity range

→ See all names like Wilfred

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Wilfred?

Wilfred is pronounced WIL-frəd (/ˈwɪl.frəd/). Press play above to hear Wilfred said aloud.

How do you say Wilfred?

Wilfred is said WIL-frəd (/ˈwɪl.frəd/). Press play above to hear Wilfred said aloud.

What does the name Wilfred mean?

Wilfred is Old English for 'desiring peace' (will + peace).

Is Wilfred a boy or girl name?

Wilfred is a boy's name.

How popular is Wilfred?

Wilfred is a rare name in the U.S. today.