Humphrey

(male) From a Norman name, Hunfrid, of Germanic origin, derived from hun ‘bear-cub, warrior’ + fred, frid ‘peace’. The Norman form absorbed the native Old English form, Hunfrith, which existed in England before the Conquest. The spelling with -ph- reflects classicizing influence. Since the 16th century it has enjoyed a modest popularity in England, having been borne most notably by the youngest son of King Henry IV, the Duke of Gloucester (1391–1447), known as ‘Duke Humphrey’. He was noted as a patron of literature, and founded what became the Bodleian Library at Oxford. In modern times, probably the most famous bearer has been the film star Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957).