Meaning & Origin
A short version of Frederick, Alfred, or Wilfred, also used as a formal male given name.
Fred is a boy's and girl's baby name of Germanic origin, a short form of Frederick, Alfred, and Wilfred, all sharing the element fred/frid meaning "peace." While typically used as a nickname, Fred has long stood on its own as a given name in the English-speaking world.
Fred was a top-50 boys' name through the early 20th century. The name gained cultural staying power through beloved figures like Fred Astaire, Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and the animated Fred Flintstone — giving it a warmth and familiarity that transcends any single era.