Declining since 1985, #1,932 for boys today.
Popularity of Fred since 1880
Babies named Fred per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Fred's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15,602 |
| 1890s | 14,270 |
| 1900s | 13,076 |
| 1910s | 44,345 |
| 1920s | 62,742 |
| 1930s | 56,164 |
| 1940s | 56,665 |
| 1950s | 37,445 |
| 1960s | 23,189 |
| 1970s | 9,425 |
| 1980s | 4,810 |
| 1990s | 2,779 |
| 2000s | 1,559 |
| 2010s | 1,043 |
| 2020s | 541 |
Meaning & origin
Fred first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and quickly rose to its peak rank of 1885, when it was among the most popular names for newborn boys. By 2025, Fred had declined to rank 1,932, with only about 1 in 21,351 boys receiving the name. The trajectory has been falling steadily since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional short forms. Its strongest historical strongholds are Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, states that saw high concentrations of German and English immigrant families who favored Frederick and its diminutive.
Fred originated as a short form of Frederick, which derives from the Germanic elements frid 'peace' and ric 'power, ruler'. It has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name saw peak popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Where Fred is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Fred” around the world
Where Fred lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Freddie, Freddy
Sibling names for Fred
Names that share Fred's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mabel, Helen, Florence, Edith, Alice, Hattie, Mamie, Nell, Bess, Bell, Carry, Flo, Maybell, Sadye, Willia, Besse, Fredna, Mell, Edla, Effa, Pegge, Pallie, Berda, Eunie, Tacie
Brothers: Harry, George, Willie, Charlie, Frank, Art, Chuck, Edd, Tedd, Clem, Len, Lew, Alf, Budd, Guss, Harve, Moe, Anner, Fread
Names like Fred
Names whose popularity has moved with Fred's over the last 50 years.
