Wilford
Wilford is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Ford near the willows.
Origin and history
Wilford is a traditional English masculine name originating as a habitational surname derived from Old English roots meaning 'willow ford'. It was moderately popular in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but has become quite rare in modern usage.
Popularity in the United States
10,442 babies in the United States have been named Wilford since 1880. It ranks #1172 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1889.
States where it is most popular
- TX (12.9 %)
- MO (6.2 %)
- UT (5.3 %)
- LA (5.2 %)
- OH (4.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 170 |
| 1890-1900 | 191 |
| 1900-1910 | 246 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,698 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,492 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,689 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,346 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,071 |
| 1960-1970 | 598 |
| 1970-1980 | 390 |
| 1980-1990 | 228 |
| 1990-2000 | 127 |
| 2000-2010 | 72 |
| 2010-2019 | 86 |
| 2020-2029 | 38 |
Famous people named Wilford
- Wilford Brimley: Actor, Singer
- Wilford Woodruff: Religious Leader
Nicknames
Will, Wil, Bill
Fun facts
- Wilford was originally used to describe someone who lived near a ford surrounded by willow trees in England.
- The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 1900s before gradually declining.