Holding steady.
Popularity of Willford since 1913
Babies named Willford per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1942, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Willford's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 29 |
| 1920s | 56 |
| 1930s | 26 |
| 1940s | 35 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Willford is a rare given name with English origins, first recorded in U.S. data in 1913, which also marks its peak year of use. The name never achieved widespread popularity, and it has remained consistently uncommon, fitting a 'stable' trajectory with no notable revival. Willford reflects an old pattern of converting English surnames into first names, particularly popular in the early 20th century. Though no single state shows a strong concentration of Willford births, the name's top states are scattered, indicating sporadic use across the country. For parents seeking a distinctive name with a clear geographical meaning, Willford offers a heritage option that never entered the mainstream.
Willford is an English locational surname transferred to given name use. It derives from a place name, composed of the Old English 'welig' (willow) and 'ford' (a shallow river crossing). As a given name, it follows the 19th-century fashion for using surnames as first names, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wil, Will, Willy
Variants: Wilford
Sibling names for Willford
Names that share Willford's style, for a brother or sister.
