Freddy

Freddy is a masculine given name and nickname. It is commonly a diminutive of Frederick or Alfred and is sometimes derived from other names with the -fred element. The form is widely used in English-speaking countries. The name itself traces to the Germanic elements frid, meaning "peace," and ric, meaning "ruler" or "power." As a nickname, Freddy is often used affectionately or informally, and it coexists with longer forms such as Frederic, Frederick, and Friedrich.

In real life and fiction, people and characters named Freddy appear across various fields. Notable individuals with the Freddy spelling include Freddy Adu (born 1989), an American soccer player; Freddy Fender (1939–2006), a Tex-Mex and country musician; and the fictional serial killer Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street. The name also appears in gaming with Freddy Fazbear, a central character in the Five Nights at Freddy's series. The related spelling Freddie is common as well, as in Freddie Mercury, the frontman of Queen.

Usage varies by region and era, but Freddy continues to function as an independently recognized given name as well as a familiar nickname for longer names. It appears in literature, film, and media, reflecting its approachable and informal character.