Alfie

Alfie is the English diminutive of Alfred (much like Fredo is the Italian diminutive of Alfredo). Alfred is borne from the Olde English masculine name Ælfræd. The name is comprised of the Olde English elements “ælf” meaning “elf” (one with supernatural powers), and “ræd” which means “to counsel”. Alfred is one of those few English forenames that both predated and survived the Norman Conquest of 1066. The endurance of Alfred as an English name is owed in part to the 9th century King of England, Ælfræd the Great (849-899). He became the King of Wessex at the age of 22 during a period of history when those pesky Danes were attempting to invade southern England. After a series of battles, Ælfræd was able to unite the whole of England in a successful defense and became the first King of the Anglo-Saxons. The “great” moniker would be bestowed upon him centuries later; the only English monarch to achieve such a status. Illiterate at first, Ælfræd became a self-taught scholar and translated Latin books into Olde English. He is also considered the “father of the English Navy” because he built a fleet of ships to prevent future invasions. Due to his enduring fame and prominent place in English history, the persistence of the name Alfred after the Norman Invasion can be owed to him. At the end of the Middle Ages, the name would become rare until a later revival in the 19th century. The diminutive Alfie is currently (and surprisingly) more popular than Alfred in most English speaking countries (the United States excluded). Alfie is a Top 10 favorite in both England and Wales, and a Top 20 most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland and Northern Ireland.