Holding steady.
Popularity of Alford since 1880
Babies named Alford per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1930, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alford's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 139 |
| 1890s | 127 |
| 1900s | 171 |
| 1910s | 538 |
| 1920s | 897 |
| 1930s | 778 |
| 1940s | 697 |
| 1950s | 600 |
| 1960s | 344 |
| 1970s | 225 |
| 1980s | 161 |
| 1990s | 81 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 10 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Alford is a rare masculine given name with English origins, derived from an Old English place name meaning 'old ford' or possibly 'elf ford'. Though never a top 1000 name, it saw its peak usage in 1908, with a relatively stable trajectory since. The name carries a distinctly vintage feel, reflecting its origins as a surname from the 1900s decade. Its rarity today offers a sense of individuality for those seeking an uncommon choice with historical roots.
Alford is an English surname and place name derived from Old English 'eald' meaning 'old' and 'ford' meaning 'ford', or possibly from 'ælf' meaning 'elf'. It originated as a locational name for someone who lived near an old ford. The name has been used as a given name since the 19th century, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Ford
Sibling names for Alford
Names that share Alford's style, for a brother or sister.
