Alfie is a charming and unique name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English name Ælfgar, which is composed of two elements: ælf, meaning "elf," and gār, meaning "spear." Therefore, Alfie can be translated to mean "elf spear" or "noble spear."
The name Alfie has a rich history that dates back to the Viking age. It was borne by several historical figures, including Ælfgar of Mercia, an earl who played a significant role in the late 11th century during the reign of King William II. Additionally, there was another Ælfgar who served as a sheriff of Berkshire and Oxfordshire during the same period.
In literature, Alfie has been used as a character name in several works. One notable example is the novel "The Collector" by John Fowles, published in 1963. The protagonist, Frederick Clegg, is often referred to as Alfie throughout the story.
While Alfie was once considered a somewhat old-fashioned and dated name, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Today, it is often used as a shorten form of the name Alfred or Alphonse. However, many parents choose Alfie as a stand-alone given name for its unique charm and vintage appeal.
In summary, Alfie is an attractive and historic English name with a fascinating origin and history. Its meaning, "elf spear" or "noble spear," reflects its Viking roots and gives it a strong and powerful association. Despite its historical roots, Alfie has a modern and unique sound that makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Alfie has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1917 to 1983, there were periods where the name was quite popular, with peaks such as 62 births in 1967 and 57 births in 1968. However, after 1983, there was a noticeable decline, with only 5 or 6 births per year until 1994.
Interestingly, from 1995 onwards, the popularity of the name Alfie began to increase gradually. There were 8 births in 1995, and since then, the number has been fluctuating but generally trending upwards. In recent years, there have been notable increases, with 71 births in 2023 being the highest on record.
Overall, while Alfie may not have been one of the most popular names throughout history, its popularity has shown signs of consistent growth in recent decades. As of 2023, it appears to be enjoying a resurgence among parents naming their children in the United States.