- First names from A to Z
- ›
- Boy Names
- ›
- Wilfried
Wilfried
Fact sheet
- Name
- Wilfried
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 2
Wilfried is a traditional German first name, meaning "the one with the will for peace" or "the one longing for peace." It originates from Old High German, where "willio" means "will, determination" and "fridu" means "peace, protection." Particularly in the mid-20th century, the name Wilfried was widely used.
What does the name Wilfried mean?
The name Wilfried has its roots in Old High German and carries the meaning of "the one with the will for peace" or "the one longing for peace." In the first half of the 20th century, Wilfried enjoyed great popularity, but later fell into obscurity and is now rarely given. Variations of the name include Wildfried and Willfried, as well as international forms such as Wilfred and Wilfrid (English), Wilfredo (Spanish), Vilfredo (Italian), and Vilfrid (Nordic).
Where does the name Wilfried come from?
Wilfried is a male first name whose origin can be found in Old High German. The composition of the term consists of "willio," meaning "will, determination," and "fridu," which stands for "peace, protection." Thus, the name is strongly rooted in the Old German language.
How do you pronounce Wilfried?
The pronunciation of Wilfried is two-syllable and multifaceted. In the German language, the name is typically pronounced as "Wil-fried" [ˈvɪlfʁiːt]. The first syllable combines soft consonants with a short vowel, while the long "ie" in the second syllable creates a brighter tone. The final "t" provides a clear conclusion. Wilfried thus sounds powerful and stable, while also being traditional and present.
When is the name day of Wilfried?
The name day of Wilfried is celebrated on April 24th in honor of Saint Wilfrid of York.
Popularity
In Germany, Wilfried was initially a fixed part of the naming landscape, moving significantly upward from its first evidence until the 1940s. The name evolved from a middle position to a clearly present first name, reaching its greatest popularity in the 1940s and early 1950s. In 1945, Wilfried ranked 27th, marking its best placement.
Nicknames & pet names
Fred / Fredy / Frieda / Wil / Wilf / Wille / Willi / Willilein / Willo / Willy
Similar first names
Famous people
- Wilfried Biermann (German football player)
- Wilfried Erdmann (footballer from Germany)
- Wilfried Gebhard (German illustrator)
- Wilfried Habermann (German footballer)
- Wilfried Hansmann (German writer)
- Wilfried Härle (theologian from Germany)
- Wilfried Hartung (swimmer from Germany)
- Wilfried Hiller (German composer)
- Wilfried I of Barcelona (founder of Catalonia)
- Wilfried Kanon (football player from Ivory Coast)
- Wilfried Kapteina (American footballer)
- Wilfried Klinge (German football player)
- Wilfried Koch (German painter)
- Wilfried Loos (football player from Germany)
- Wilfried Lorenz (German doctor)
- Wilfried Martens (*1936), Belgian politician, Prime Minister, and President of the European People's Party)
- Wilfried Ott (German football player)
- Wilfried Pallhuber (Italian biathlete)
- Wilfried Reinehr (writer from Germany)
- Wilfried Steiner (Austrian writer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Wilfried
What does the name Wilfried mean?
Wilfried has its roots in Old High German and means "the one with the will for peace" or "the one longing for peace."
What nicknames are there for Wilfried?
Common nicknames for Wilfried include Fred, Fredy, Wil, and Willy. These affectionate names can provide a loving alternative to the full name.
Is Wilfried a traditional or modern name?
Wilfried is a traditional boy's name that was popular in the first half of the 20th century but is now given less frequently.
Are there international variants of the name Wilfried?
Yes, international forms of the name include Wilfred and Wilfrid (English), Wilfredo (Spanish), as well as Vilfredo (Italian) and Vilfrid (Nordic).