Holding steady.
Popularity of Raeford since 1914
Babies named Raeford per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1941, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Raeford's real moment was 1930.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 57 |
| 1920s | 122 |
| 1930s | 118 |
| 1940s | 132 |
| 1950s | 117 |
| 1960s | 35 |
| 1970s | 25 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Raeford is an uncommon masculine name that saw modest use in the early 20th century. First recorded in 1914, it reached its highest popularity in 1930, the peak year, but has never been a common name. Its trajectory has been stable, indicating consistent but low-level usage. The name is most closely associated with the 1930s decade. While it never achieved wide popularity, Raeford remains a distinctive choice for those seeking a vintage surname-style name with a Southern feel.
Raeford is likely a variant of Rayford, which originated as an English surname. Rayford itself may derive from a place name meaning 'ford where a roe deer is found' or 'ford near the boundary'. The name has been used sparingly as a given name in the United States since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Rayford
Sibling names for Raeford
Names that share Raeford's style, for a brother or sister.
