Holding steady.
Popularity of Eldred since 1882
Babies named Eldred per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 18 |
| 1890s | 0 | 38 |
| 1900s | 0 | 72 |
| 1910s | 80 | 722 |
| 1920s | 154 | 1,028 |
| 1930s | 47 | 597 |
| 1940s | 13 | 342 |
| 1950s | 0 | 331 |
| 1960s | 0 | 250 |
| 1970s | 0 | 151 |
| 1980s | 0 | 105 |
| 1990s | 0 | 62 |
| 2000s | 0 | 24 |
| 2010s | 0 | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Eldred is an ancient English name meaning 'old counsel', derived from Old English 'eald' and 'ræd'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1882 and reached its peak in 1917, though it never cracked the top 1000. The name has remained rare, with no significant rebound in recent decades. Its stable trajectory suggests it has been a steady but seldom-chosen choice. While no top states are recorded for Eldred, its use has been scattered across the country. Parents drawn to Old English heritage may appreciate Eldred for its dignified meaning and historical resonance, but its rarity means a child is unlikely to share the name with classmates.
Eldred derives from the Old English elements 'eald' meaning 'old' and 'ræd' meaning 'counsel' or 'advice'. It was used in Anglo-Saxon England and survived into the Middle Ages, though it never became common. The name saw modest use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with its peak year recorded as 1917. Today it is rare, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional Old English names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eldy, Red
Sibling names for Eldred
Names that share Eldred's style, for a brother or sister.
