Wildred is an ancient English name with a unique and interesting history. It is derived from the Old English elements "wilde" meaning "wild" and "rēad" meaning "counsel". Therefore, the name Wildred can be translated as "wild counsel".
The name Wildred was borne by a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king of Sussex. King Wildred ruled over the kingdom from around 692 until his death in 718. He is remembered for successfully defending his territory against attacks by the Mercians, a neighboring kingdom.
The use of the name Wildred declined after the Middle Ages and it is not a common name today. However, it remains an interesting choice for parents looking for a unique and historic name for their child. The name Wildred can be considered unisex, although it has been more commonly used as a male name in the past.
In summary, Wildred is an ancient English name with a unique meaning and an intriguing history. It was borne by a historic king of Sussex and is not a common name today, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
In the United States, the name Wildred has seen varied popularity throughout the early to mid-20th century, with a total of 31 babies given this unique name during five recorded years between 1917 and 1932. The highest peak in popularity occurred in 1919, with nine births that year. However, it's important to note that the overall frequency of the name Wildred remained relatively low compared to more common names during this period. Despite its infrequent use, each child named Wildred was given a distinctive and memorable moniker that sets them apart from many others born in their respective years.