Alf
Alf is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Elf or supernatural being.
Origin and history
Alf is a masculine name with Old Norse and Old English roots meaning 'elf'. Historically used as a short form for names like Alfred or Alfonso, it also stands on its own. It was more common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now rarely given to newborns in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
1,130 babies in the United States have been named Alf since 1880. It ranks #3562 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- MN (30 %)
- NY (21.8 %)
- ND (20 %)
- TN (10 %)
- MS (9.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 84 |
| 1890-1900 | 78 |
| 1900-1910 | 83 |
| 1910-1920 | 270 |
| 1920-1930 | 231 |
| 1930-1940 | 157 |
| 1940-1950 | 88 |
| 1950-1960 | 65 |
| 1960-1970 | 42 |
| 1970-1980 | 32 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Famous people named Alf
- Alf Landon: politician, businessman
Fun facts
- In Old Norse, the word 'álfr' referred to a category of supernatural, elf-like beings.
- In the 1980s, 'ALF' became widely known as the title character and acronym (Alien Life Form) in a popular American sitcom.