Declining since 1985, #3,757 for boys today.
Popularity of Wilfred since 1880
Babies named Wilfred per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 308 |
| 1890s | 510 |
| 1900s | 767 |
| 1910s | 4,976 |
| 1920s | 7,134 |
| 1930s | 4,490 |
| 1940s | 3,263 |
| 1950s | 2,833 |
| 1960s | 1,954 |
| 1970s | 1,063 |
| 1980s | 804 |
| 1990s | 541 |
| 2000s | 343 |
| 2010s | 262 |
| 2020s | 169 |
Meaning & origin
Wilfred is a classic English name with a peaceful meaning. It peaked in popularity in 1917 and has been on a downward trajectory since 1985. In 2025, it ranked 3,757th, given to about 1 in 58,899 boys. The name maintains a steady, if modest, presence, often chosen by parents seeking a vintage name with strong historical roots.
Wilfred is derived from the Old English elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'frið' meaning 'peace'. The name was borne by a prominent 7th-century Anglo-Saxon saint, Wilfrid of York, which helped establish its usage in medieval England. It saw a revival in the 19th century and enjoyed peak popularity in the early 20th century in English-speaking countries.
Where Wilfred 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Will, Wilf, Fred
Sibling names for Wilfred
Names that share Wilfred's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Edith, Mabel, Florence, Beatrice, Eleanor, Alvina, Edwina, Ethel, Izetta, Freeda, Gladis, Hildred, Sibyl, Winnifred, Aleece, Elfreda, Everlena, Hildreth, Maxcine, Merilee, Morley, Percilla, Relda, Ardythe, Arthurine, Emelda, Girtrude, Verlia, Ardine, Beda, Elveta, Freada, Georgenia, Gilberta, Wilba, Williette, Wilmary
Brothers: Arthur, Albert, Ernest, Harold, Clarence, Algie, Bertram, Eldridge, Lambert, Morton, Osborne, Winfred, Dolphus, Eldred, Hilbert, Oswald, Spurgeon, Thurston, Aldrich, Alwin, Bland, Edwyn, Eustace, Levert, Melford, Milfred, Oswin, Pasco, Seward, Ulric, Welford, Wilburt, Wilferd, Wilmar, Wilmot, Bertrum, Burdett, Dorwin, Eldredge, Gervis, Gifford, Heywood, Lynford, Mance, Ormand, Rawleigh, Walfred, Wilborn, Wilkins, Ellard, Herberth, Bazil, Carless, Clester, Cuthbert, Elford, Hubbert, Jerauld, Milferd, Montford, Philmore, Sebert, Thedford, Warnie, Wilman
