fred

Fred is a masculine given name that is often a shortened form of Frederick. It derives from the Germanic name Frid-ric, from frid meaning peace and ric meaning ruler. Although originally a diminutive, Fred has also been used independently as a given name in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century.

In modern usage, Fred remains common as an informal form of Frederick and as a standalone name. Its popularity for newborns has varied by decade, with the forms Freddie or Freddy sometimes used for younger bearers. The name is generally perceived as straightforward and approachable.

Notable people named Fred include Fred Astaire (1899–1987), the American dancer and actor; Fred Rogers (1928–2003), the television host known for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood; and Fred Savage (born 1976), an American actor and director. In music and other fields, figures such as Fred Durst (born 1970) have carried the name. Fictional characters with the name include Fred Flintstone from The Flintstones and Fred Weasley from the Harry Potter series.

In other languages, the equivalent formal name is Frederick (English), Frédéric (French), and Friedrich (German); diminutive forms and variants exist in many languages. The name Fred thus functions as both a formal given name and a familiar nickname in cultural usage.