Aldred is a name of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "eald" meaning "old" and "rēad" which means "counsel". The name Aldred was borne by several historical figures, including Aldred of Chester, also known as Ealdred of Chester or Aldric of Chester, who was a Bishop of Chester in the 11th century. He is remembered for his role in the investiture controversy between the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and Pope Gregory VII, which led to the establishment of the principle of "cuius regio, eius religio" (whose realm, his religion). Aldred was also a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and has been used intermittently throughout English history. Today, Aldred is still considered a unique and historic name choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Aldred experienced some popularity during the early to mid-20th century in the United States. Between 1917 and 1964, there were a total of 64 babies named Aldred born in the U.S., with the highest number of births occurring in 1923 and 1928, when 6 newborns received this name each year. The peak popularity for the name Aldred was in 1917, with 9 births that year. However, it appears that its usage declined significantly after the 1960s, as there were only 5 births recorded in 1991. It is interesting to note that while the name Aldred may not be commonly heard today, it does have a unique historical presence during this specific time period in the U.S.