Elfreda is a unique and distinctive female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "ælf" meaning elf or noble, and "rēden" which means counsel or protection. Therefore, Elfreda can be interpreted to mean "elf counsel" or "noble protection".
The name Elfreda has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages in England. It was not as popular as some other names of the time, but it was still used occasionally. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is from the 12th century, where it appears in the pipe rolls of King Henry II.
Despite its historic roots, Elfreda has not been a particularly common given name in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there have only been a handful of babies named Elfreda since the 1970s. This makes it an uncommon but interesting choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful.
Overall, Elfreda is a beautiful and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful interpretation. While it may not be as well-known as some other names, its English origins and noble meaning make it a excellent choice for those wanting to honor their English heritage or simply give their child a special and memorable name.
Based on the statistics provided, it seems that the name Elfreda has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest year listed is 1887 with 6 births, and the most recent is 1978 with 7 births.
The peak of popularity for the name Elfreda appears to have been during World War I, with a significant increase in births from 27 in 1914 to 40 in 1917. This trend continued until 1920 when there were 26 births, but it then declined gradually over the next few years.
In the mid-20th century, there was another noticeable spike in popularity for the name Elfreda, with 33 births recorded in 1958. However, this number dropped significantly thereafter, and the name has remained relatively uncommon since then, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1960 onwards.
Overall, the name Elfreda has been used for a total of 934 births in the United States over the period covered by these statistics. While it may not be one of the most popular names, its usage has varied enough to indicate that it has had some level of appeal to parents throughout history.