Beauford is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word "beau," which means "beautiful," and the English word "ford," which refers to a shallow place in a river where it can be crossed on foot. Therefore, Beauford literally translates to "beautiful crossing."
The name Beauford has been associated with nobility throughout history. It was borne by several members of the House of Beaufort, a royal family from France that played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War. John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset, was an illegitimate son of John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford who later legitimized through a papal decree. His descendants included some prominent figures in English history, such as Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII, and Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham.
Despite its rich history and noble origins, Beauford remains relatively uncommon today. It is often found among families with connections to the aristocracy or those seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. The name has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly as a middle name, but it still retains its rarity and uniqueness.
In terms of pronunciation, Beauford is typically pronounced /ˈbjuːfərd/, with emphasis on the first syllable and rhyming with "here" followed by "ford." However, variations in pronunciation may exist depending on regional accents or personal preference.
While Beauford does not have any specific associated holidays or personality traits tied to it, its meaning of "beautiful crossing" could inspire thoughts of hope, journey, and triumph over obstacles. Those bearing this name might embody qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and a appreciation for the beauty found along life's path.
In conclusion, Beauford is an uncommon yet historically significant given name with English roots. Its meaning of "beautiful crossing" offers a unique perspective on hope and perseverance through life's journey. Although not widely popular today, Beauford remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
Beauford is a unique and historic name that has been given to babies born in the United States over several decades. According to the provided statistics, there were 5 births with the name Beauford in 1905, marking the beginning of this name's appearance in the U.S. birth records.
The popularity of the name grew throughout the early 20th century, reaching its peak between 1916 and 1924. During these years, there were consistently around 30 births each year with the name Beauford. This period saw a significant increase in popularity compared to the start of the century, indicating that the name was gaining traction among parents choosing names for their newborns.
However, after the mid-1920s, the number of annual Beauford births began to decline steadily. Between 1925 and 1939, there were fewer than 30 births each year with this name, indicating a decrease in popularity during this time.
The downward trend continued into the post-World War II era, with only single-digit numbers of Beauford births occurring between 1940 and 1967. This period saw a significant drop in the number of parents choosing the name Beauford for their children.
From 1968 to 2020, there were intermittent years with fewer than five Beauford births recorded each year. However, it is notable that there was one recent occurrence of the name in 2020, with six babies being named Beauford that year. This suggests that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, there is still an occasional interest among parents in choosing the name Beauford for their newborn sons.
In total, over the course of more than a century (from 1905 to 2020), there have been 1,016 births recorded with the name Beauford in the United States. This historic data provides insight into the fluctuating popularity of this distinctive name throughout different eras.