A
Masculine
English
Meaning & History
Alf is a short form of the name Alfred, commonly used as an independent given name in English-speaking countries. The root name Alfred is of Old English origin, derived from the elements ælf "elf" and ræd "counsel, advice", giving it the meaning "elf counsel". The most famous historical bearer is King Alfred the Great of Wessex (9th century), who defended his kingdom against the Danes and promoted learning, translating Latin works into Old English. The name Ernest survived the Norman Conquest more than most Old English names, but still fell out of common use, reviving only in the 18th century.