Eldred is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "æled" meaning "noble" or "wealthy," and "rēden" which means "counsel" or "protection." Therefore, the name Eldred can be translated to mean "noble counsel" or "rich protector."
The name Eldred was brought into prominence during the Middle Ages in England. It is believed that it was introduced by the Normans who invaded and ruled England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name gained popularity among the nobility due to its meaning, which reflected their social status and power.
One notable figure with the name Eldred was Eldred, Lord of Tamworth, a Norman nobleman who held lands in Staffordshire during the reign of King Henry II. He is mentioned in several historical documents and charters from the 12th century, including the Domesday Book, an survey conducted in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror.
Over time, the use of the name Eldred declined, and it became quite rare. However, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. Today, Eldred is often chosen by parents who desire to give their son a distinctive yet meaningful name with historical roots.
In summary, Eldred is an uncommon yet significant male given name of English origin. Its meaning, "noble counsel" or "rich protector," reflects its Norman heritage and its popularity among the nobility during the Middle Ages. Although it fell out of fashion for many years, Eldred has seen a revival in recent times and continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique combination of history and meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Eldred has seen a significant shift in popularity over the years in the United States.
From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, there was a steady increase in the number of births with the name Eldred. The years 1882 to 1925 saw a gradual rise, with the highest number of births recorded at 122 in 1921.
However, starting from 1926, there was a notable decline in the popularity of the name Eldred. Between 1926 and 1940, the number of births with this name fell significantly, from 93 to 39. This downward trend continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with fewer than 40 births per year recorded for most years.
The period between 1960 and 1976 saw a further decline in the popularity of the name Eldred, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded. There was a slight uptick in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but overall, the number of births with this name remained low.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the name Eldred. Between 2000 and 2012, there were at least six births per year recorded, which is more than double the number of births during some of the previous decades.
Overall, while the name Eldred was once quite popular in the early 20th century, it has since fallen out of favor. However, with recent increases in its popularity, it appears that this unique name may be making a comeback among parents looking for distinctive and uncommon names for their children.