Holding steady.
Popularity of Raiford since 1913
Babies named Raiford per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1931, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Raiford's real moment was 1916.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 77 |
| 1920s | 110 |
| 1930s | 105 |
| 1940s | 111 |
| 1950s | 92 |
| 1960s | 46 |
| 1970s | 35 |
| 1980s | 13 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Raiford is a rare masculine given name that first appeared in Social Security records in 1913. It reached its peak usage in 1916, but even then the number of births was very small. The name's trajectory has been consistently stable, never experiencing a surge or revival. Although it has been recorded in every decade since its debut, it has never been common enough to generate a rank or one-in-N statistic. Raiford is likely derived from an English surname, possibly meaning 'roe deer ford,' but its origins remain uncertain. The name has no strong association with any specific state or region, as its top states list is empty. For parents seeking an uncommon name with a vintage feel, Raiford offers a distinctive but understated option.
Raiford is likely an English surname transferred to given name use. The surname may derive from a place name meaning 'roe deer ford' from Old English rā (roe deer) and ford (ford). Alternatively, it could be a variant of Raeford, a name of similar derivation. Raiford has been in sporadic use as a given name since the early 20th century, most commonly recorded in the 1910s. It has never entered widespread popularity and remains a rare choice.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ray
Variants: Raeford
Sibling names for Raiford
Names that share Raiford's style, for a brother or sister.
