Willford is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements 'wille', which means 'will' or 'desire', and 'ford', which refers to a shallow place where a river can be crossed on foot. Therefore, the name Willford literally translates to "shallow crossing by will".
The name Willford has a long history, dating back to medieval England. It was typically used as a surname before it started being used as a given name in the late 19th century. Some famous individuals with the surname Willford include William Willford, an early settler in Virginia in the 17th century, and John Willford, who served as a mayor of Mobile, Alabama in the mid-19th century.
Today, Willford is still a rare name, but it has been used consistently throughout history. It is often chosen for its unique sound and English heritage, making it a popular choice among parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. Despite its rarity, the name Willford has not lost its charm and continues to be a beloved choice among families around the world.
Willford is a unique name with an interesting history of usage in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. The statistics provided show that there was some fluctuation in the number of babies named Willford over time.
From 1913 to 1948, there were a total of 146 births registered for the name Willford in the United States. The highest year for births with this name was 1942, with 11 occurrences. This could indicate that there might have been some cultural or historical event around this time that influenced parents to choose this particular name more frequently.
However, it's important to note that these statistics represent a relatively small number of births compared to the overall population during this period. The name Willford was not one of the most popular choices for baby boys during this time, as evidenced by the consistently low numbers of births each year.
Despite its lack of widespread popularity, the name Willford has had some notable appearances in American culture and history. For example, there have been prominent figures with this name, such as Willford "Squire" Sanders, an influential lawyer and politician from Tennessee during the mid-20th century.
In conclusion, while Willford may not have been a commonly chosen baby boy name in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, it still has some historical significance and personal relevance for those who bear this unique name.