MANFRED

Manfred: translation

German,Dutch, andEnglish: from an oldGermanicpersonal name, usually said to be composed of the elementsmanman +fred,fridpeace. However, it is more likely that the first element wasmaginstrength (the Norman form being normallyMainfred; cf. modernEnglish‘might andmain’) ormanagmuch (cf. modernEnglishmany). This was in use among the Normans, who introduced it to Britain, but it did not become part of the common stock ofEnglishgiven names, and was reintroduced fromGermanyin the 19th century. It was a traditional name among the Hohenstaufens, and was borne by the last Hohenstaufen king of Sicily (1258–66), who died in battle against papal forces at Benevento. The name was also used by Byron for the central character in his poetic dramaManfred(1817), a brooding outcast, tormented by incestuous love for his halfsister.

Cognate:Italian: Manfredo.