name
Common
Alfred
ALF-ruhd
Alfred (name) means a male given name of Old English origin, historically borne by Alfred the Great. Example: “Alfred the Great defended England against Viking invasions.”
name
1
A male given name of Old English origin, historically borne by Alfred the Great.
"Alfred the Great defended England against Viking invasions."
"Her father, Alfred, still goes by his full name."
How to use Alfred
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional English first name, most famously belonging to the ninth-century king Alfred the Great.
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_____ the Great defended England against Viking invasions.
Etymology
From Old English AElfraed, formed from aelf ("elf") and raed ("counsel") — literally "elf counsel".
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Alfred” mean?
The word “Alfred” means a male given name of Old English origin, historically borne by Alfred the Great. In plain terms, a traditional English first name, most famously belonging to the ninth-century king Alfred the Great.
How do you pronounce “Alfred”?
“Alfred” is pronounced ALF-ruhd (/ˈælfɹəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “Alfred” in a sentence?
Here is “Alfred” used in a sentence: “Alfred the Great defended England against Viking invasions.”
What part of speech is “Alfred”?
“Alfred” is a name.
Where does the word “Alfred” come from?
The word “Alfred” comes from Old English. From Old English AElfraed, formed from aelf ("elf") and raed ("counsel") — literally "elf counsel".
Is “Alfred” a common word?
“Alfred” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What are common nicknames for Alfred?
The usual short forms are Alf, Alfie, Fred, and Freddie. Alfie in particular has also become popular in Britain as a standalone given name, not just a pet form of Alfred.
Is Fred short for Alfred or Frederick?
It can be either. Fred and Freddie work as pet forms of both Alfred and Frederick, so the nickname alone does not tell you which full name someone has; Alf and Alfie, by contrast, point only to Alfred.
Who was the most famous Alfred in history?
The name's most famous historical bearer is Alfred the Great, the ninth-century Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex. The name itself is of Old English origin, and it remains a classic English choice.
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