Alfred
Alfred comes from the Anglo-Saxon "Ælfræd" — "ælf" (elf) and "ræd" (counsel) — meaning "elf counsel." The name suggests someone advised by elves, or skilled in the unseen world. Alfred the Great (849-899), the King of Wessex who defended England against the Vikings and laid the foundations of English law and education, is the most famous bearer — the only English king called "the Great." Alfred was a top-50 American name from 1880 to 1935, peaking at #32 in 1886. Then it declined steeply. Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980), the British film director of "Psycho" (1960) and "Vertigo" (1958), is the most famous 20th-century bearer. Alfred Nobel (1833-1896), the Swedish chemist who invented dynamite and founded the Nobel Prize, gave the name unmatched scientific prestige. I find Alfred has a serious, slightly old-fashioned quality — the "Al" opening is friendly, but the "fred" ending is heavy. The nickname Alfie (popularized by the 1966 film) lightens it considerably. Alfred is a male name of Anglo-Saxon origin that means "Elf counsel". Serious, intellectual, and a little old-fashioned. The name sounds historic. Alfreds tend to be thoughtful. US peaked #32 in 1886. Now outside top 800. Well-known people named Alfred include Alfred the Great (King of Wessex), Alfred Hitchcock (director), Alfred Nobel (Nobel Prize founder), Alfred (Anglo-Saxon name). Common variations and related forms of Alfred include Alfredo (Italian/Spanish), Aelfraed (Old English), Alf (nickname), Alfie (nickname).