Alf Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Alf is an Old English name meaning 'elf', deriving from the word 'ælf' which refers to a supernatural being. The name has evolved through various forms over the centuries. It is associated with folklore and has gained popularity since the Anglo-Saxon period. Alf is often perceived as a friendly and playful name, with notable bearers contributing to its modern image.
The name Alf is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Alf has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Alf' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1233rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2040th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3095th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5780th out of 10718 names. Discover how the name 'Alf' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Alf"
Pronunciation
/ælf/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Alf originates from the Old English word 'ælf', meaning 'elf'. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic *albiz, which also refers to an elf or supernatural being.
Meaning
elf
Language Evolution
Ælf (Old English), Alf (Middle English), Alf (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Alf gained popularity in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, especially among those who appreciated its connection to folklore and mythology.
Variants & Derivatives
Alfred, Alfie, Alfons
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Alf is viewed as a charming and somewhat whimsical name, often associated with friendliness and a playful character.
Famous People
Alfie Boe, a renowned English tenor, Alfie Allen, an English actor known for his role in Game of Thrones
Explore More Alf Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Alf"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Alf"
"Alf" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1233rd of 7545 | 537 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2040th of 6773 | 239 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3095th of 7552 | 137 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5780th of 10718 | 47 |
Regional Popularity of "Alf" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
54.38% 770th/1416 |
73.60% 1015th/1379 |
84.53% 2000th/2366 |
85.99% 982nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
78.86% 1227th/1556 |
77.56% 1825th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Alf" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Alf"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Alf" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.