Alfie

Meaning of Alfie

Alfie is a spirited diminutive of the Old English classic Alfred, meaning “wise elf” or “elf counsel”—a dash of folklore wrapped in down-to-earth charm. Across the pond it evokes cheeky British wit (think Michael Caine’s charismatic rogue in the 1966 film “Alfie” or the jaunty refrain of Dionne Warwick’s hit song), yet in the States it still feels delightfully fresh, hovering in the high-800s and quietly climbing like a kid sneaking one more cookie from the jar. Parents love that it sounds friendly from the very first roll call—AL-fee is as easy on the ear as it is on the playground—and it carries just enough vintage polish to age gracefully from sandbox to boardroom. Picture a boy with mischief in his grin and wisdom in his back pocket: that’s Alfie. If you’re hunting for a name that marries old-soul smarts with modern bounce, Alfie may be the little four-letter love song you’ve been waiting to sing.