The spelling of the name "Ailfred" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as /eɪl/, with a long "a" sound followed by an "l" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as /frɛd/, with an "f" sound followed by a short "e" sound and a "d" sound. Overall, the pronunciation of "Ailfred" reflects the Old English roots of the name, which means "elf counsel" or "wise elf." While the spelling may seem unconventional to some, it is a valid and historically rooted name.