Hi Nancy, A list I have of given names found in Swiss records from 1525-1850 lists Fridli, Friedli as a male name. Considering I have seen Lena/Leni used as a nickname for Madlena, and Stina/Stini as nickname for Christina, I would think that Friedli could have been a nickname for Gottfried. If he was known by Friedli, I could see that being Americanized to Fred. If you find confirmation of this, please let us know on the list. Rick Saunders