This is one of the oldest recorded English names and probably pre-dates the Roman Invasion of 55 AD. The origination is from 'Eald-raed' which translates as 'Wise Counsel' or from 'Adel-raed' meaning 'Noble Counsel'. In between these early recordings which first appeared in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles c. 700 AD., and the modern spellings of Aldred, Alldred, Eldrett, Eldred, Eldered, Elldred etc., the name development has included, Aeldred of Suffolk, 1086 The Domesday Book, William Eyldred (1317, Kent), William Albet (1275 Worcester), Maud Aildred (1327 Essex) and Rev. Henry Aldred (1603, Norfolk). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Roger Aldredus. which was dated 1207 The County Pipe Rolls of Devon. during the reign of King John nickname 'Lackland' 1199-1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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