MallowbyNames

Elfriede

el-FREE-duh · Elf strength or noble strength, of debated origin.

Peak popularity
1930
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Elfriede since 1912

Babies named Elfriede per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71421192019602000Most births 1930Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s51
1920s71
1930s125
1940s29
1950s5
1960s10
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Elfriede is a classic German name that saw its greatest popularity in the early 20th century, peaking in 1930. After a long period of decline, it has become extremely rare in contemporary usage, with no recorded births in the U.S. for 2025. The name is primarily associated with German heritage and has a strong, vintage feel. Its trajectory shows a stable but low frequency, and it has never been widely used outside of German-speaking communities.

Elfriede is a German name derived from the Old High German elements 'alb' (elf) or 'adal' (noble) and 'fridu' (peace), though some sources also suggest a connection to 'elf-strength.' It became common in German-speaking regions in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s-1930s. The name has been borne by notable figures in German culture, though its usage declined after World War II.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Elfi, Friede, Fritzi

Variants: Elfrida, Elfreda

Sibling names for Elfriede

Names that share Elfriede's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

E is for Elfriede, our favorite little girl.

E is for Elfriede…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Elfriede's letter becomes Elfriede's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Elfriede's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Elfriede mean?
Elfriede likely means "elf strength" from Old High German elements, though some interpret it as "noble peace."
How popular is the name Elfriede today?
The name Elfriede peaked in the 1930s (ranked within top 100 in some years) but has since become rare. Its latest recorded use in the U.S. (2025) shows no births, and it currently ranks outside the top 1000.
Is Elfriede a boy or girl name?
Elfriede is exclusively a female name.