Wilf is a masculine given name, most commonly used as a short form of Wilfred or Wilfrid. It is an English name that is often used as a diminutive affectionate nickname, but it can also stand alone as a given name or surname. Etymology and Historical Context Wilf is derived from Wilfred, an Old English name meaning "desiring peace" from the elements willa (will, desire) and friþ (peace). The name Wilfrid belongs to a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon saint who was a bishop. Like the longer forms, Wilf became rarely used after the Norman Conquest but saw a revival in the 19th century in England. Notable Bearers While less common as a standalone name historically, several notable individuals bear the name Wilf as a given name or nickname. Among them are: Wilfred Arthur (1919–2000), Australian World War II fighter ace Wilf Barber (1901–1968), English cricketer Wilf Copping (1909–1980), English footballer Wilf McGuinness (born 1937), English football player and manager Wilf Mannion (1918–2000), English footballer Wilf Lunn, British television presenter Many individuals with the longer forms of the name are also commonly known by the nickname Wilf. Derivatives and Related Forms The variant Wil is also used as a short form. Feminine forms include Wilfreda. In other languages and cultures, cognate forms exist: Anglo-Saxon Wilfrith, Catalan Guifré, Danish Vilfred, German Wilfried, and Germanic Willifrid. Modern Usage Wilf is occasionally used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the United Kingdom. It is also encountered as a surname. The name carries a friendly, diminutive warmth and is often associated with English culture. Meaning: Short form of Wilfred ('desiring peace') Origin: English Type: Diminutive/Nickname Usage Regions: English-speaking countries