The name Alfred has its origins in the Old English language, deriving from the Germanic words "ælf" meaning "elf" and "ræd" meaning "counsel" or "advice." This etymology suggests that the name initially held the meaning of "elf counsel" or "wise elf."

Alfred was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and first appeared in historical records around the 9th century. One of the earliest and most notable bearers of this name was Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex who reigned from 871 to 899 AD. He is renowned for his defense against Viking invasions and his promotion of education and the English language.

During the Middle Ages, the name Alfred gained popularity across Europe, particularly in England and Normandy. It was frequently used among the nobility and royal families. One notable figure was Alfred the Elder, the grandson of Alfred the Great, who ruled as King of the Anglo-Saxons from 871 to 899 AD.

In the Renaissance period, the name Alfred continued to be favored by the upper classes. One of the most famous Alfreds from this era was Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), the renowned English poet laureate and author of works such as "Idylls of the King" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade."

During the 19th century, the name Alfred gained widespread popularity across the English-speaking world. One prominent bearer was Alfred Nobel (1833-1896), the Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor who established the Nobel Prizes through his will.

Another notable Alfred from this period was Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), the British naturalist and explorer who independently proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, concurrently with Charles Darwin.

In the 20th century, the name Alfred remained popular, with notable figures such as Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980), the legendary British film director known for his suspense and psychological thrillers, and Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956), the American biologist and sexologist who conducted groundbreaking research on human sexuality.