Name: Fred
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: “Peaceful ruler” or “Peace”

Fred is typically a shortened form of Frederick or Alfred. It has Germanic roots, derived from the elements “frid” meaning “peace” and “ric” meaning “ruler” or “power.”

Popularity:

• Peak popularity in the US: Early 20th century
• Current popularity: Less common, but still used

Notable Freds:

• Fred Astaire: American dancer and actor
• Fred Rogers: American television personality (Mister Rogers)
• Fred Flintstone: Cartoon character

Inspiration:
The name Fred evokes a sense of friendliness and approachability. It’s often associated with reliability and a down-to-earth nature. While less popular now, it remains a classic name with strong historical roots.