Wilford is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wil-ford," which means "willow ford." This name has a rich historical background and has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history.
The name Wilford first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a surname for people who lived near willow trees or in areas where there were many willows. Over time, Wilford evolved from being primarily a surname to also being used as a given name.
Wilford has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898), who served as the fourth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1889 until his death in 1898. Another notable figure with the name Wilford is Wilford Brimley (1934-2020), an American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Firm" and "Cocoon."
Despite its historical significance, Wilford remains a relatively uncommon given name today. However, it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical meaning. Overall, Wilford is a distinctive and meaningful name with deep roots in English history.
The name Wilford has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1880. Over the course of 142 years, there have been a total of 10,428 births registered with this unique name.
The popularity of Wilford as a baby boy's name has seen several fluctuations throughout the decades. In its early years, the name was quite popular, reaching its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when there were consistently over 100 babies named Wilford each year. The highest number of births recorded in any single year was in 1913, with an impressive total of 123 newborns sharing this name.
However, from the mid-20th century onwards, the popularity of Wilford began to decline significantly. By the 1950s and 60s, there were fewer than 100 births per year on average. This trend continued into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with some years recording only a handful of births with the name Wilford.
Despite its decline in popularity, Wilford remains a unique and distinctive name that continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn sons. Between 2020 and 2023, there were still seven recorded births each year with this name, indicating that it is not entirely out of fashion just yet.
Overall, while the popularity of Wilford as a baby boy's name has waxed and waned over time, it remains an enduring part of American naming history.