A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Freda since 1880
Babies named Freda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Freda's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 624 |
| 1890s | 2,289 |
| 1900s | 2,932 |
| 1910s | 7,453 |
| 1920s | 8,632 |
| 1930s | 5,820 |
| 1940s | 4,792 |
| 1950s | 4,776 |
| 1960s | 2,732 |
| 1970s | 1,329 |
| 1980s | 545 |
| 1990s | 209 |
| 2000s | 167 |
| 2010s | 131 |
| 2020s | 96 |
Meaning & origin
Freda enjoyed its peak popularity in the late 19th century, reaching its highest rank in 1897, when usage was at its zenith. After a long period of decline, the name has been slowly rising in use since 2016, indicating a possible revival of interest in turn-of-the-century names. Despite this recent uptick, Freda remains uncommon, with only about 1 in 94,545 girls receiving the name in 2025. Its simple vintage charm may appeal to parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and distinctive, echoing the sounds of more popular names like Freya or Fiona.
Freda likely emerged as a feminine variant of Fred, a short form of Frederick (from Old English Frithuric, meaning 'peaceful ruler'), or as a shortened form of Winifred (from Welsh Gwenfrewi, meaning 'blessed peace'). It has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often as a standalone given name rather than a nickname.
Where Freda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Freda
Names that share Freda's style, for a brother or sister.
