Holding steady.
Popularity of Belford since 1900
Babies named Belford per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Belford's real moment was 1900.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 7 |
| 1910s | 42 |
| 1920s | 99 |
| 1930s | 38 |
| 1940s | 29 |
| 1950s | 9 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Belford is a rare given name that appeared in U.S. birth records as early as 1900, its only recorded peak year, after which it fell out of regular use. The name saw no reported births in recent decades, making it an exceptionally uncommon choice. As a locational surname turned given name, Belford evokes a sense of history and place. Its trajectory remains stable with no signs of revival, appealing to those who favor obscure, traditional names with a grounded, vintage feel. While Belford has no recorded top states or associated famous bearers, its simplicity and strength make it a distinctive option for parents seeking a name that is both rare and rooted in English heritage.
The name Belford likely derives from an English surname, itself from a place name such as Belford in Northumberland. The place name may combine Old English 'bellan' (to bellow, hence 'bell') or 'belle' (beautiful) with 'ford' (a river crossing). Alternatively, it could be a variant of the French surname Belfort, meaning 'beautiful fort'. As a given name, Belford has been used occasionally in the United States since the late 19th century, primarily in the early 1900s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Belf, Ford
Variants: Belfort
Sibling names for Belford
Names that share Belford's style, for a brother or sister.
