What does Benford mean and where does it come from?
The name Benford is of English origin and is often considered a surname that has migrated into occasional use as a given name. It is derived from Old English, meaning 'from a bend in the river'. The name is relatively rare and is best known through notable figures such as Frank Benford, the mathemat
Cultural significance
Benford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from a place with a bend.
Peak popularity
Reached #2313 in 1941 — currently #980 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Benford?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Benford?
Benford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Benford Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Benford John
One syllable · timeless choice
Benford Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Benford Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Benford Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Benford Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Benford right now?
Holding steady — currently #980 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #980 | 1,220 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #985 | 1,200 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #990 | 1,170 | ▲ up 4678 · +23300% births |
| 1975 | #5668 | 5 | ▼ down 1381 |
| 1960 | #4287 | 5 | ▼ down 1073 · -17% births |
| 1945 | #3214 | 6 | ▼ down 167 · -14% births |
| 1940 | #3047 | 7 | ▼ down 540 · -30% births |
| 1935 | #2507 | 10 | ▲ up 1352 · +67% births |
| 1930 | #3859 | 6 | ▼ down 1125 · -45% births |
| 1925 | #2734 | 11 | ▲ up 1883 · +120% births |
| 1920 | #4617 | 5 | ▼ down 932 · -17% births |
| 1915 | #3685 | 6 | — |
The story of Benford
Benford entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 366 total births recorded, Benford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3685 in 1915 to #980 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Benford in 1941:
Benford by decade
Benford peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 44 | |
| 1920s ★ | 80 | |
| 1930s | 53 | |
| 1940s | 79 | |
| 1950s | 52 | |
| 1960s | 36 | |
| 1970s | 17 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
💎Benford has only 366 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Benford?
What names sound and feel like Benford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Benford also consider these
Common questions about the name Benford
What does the name Benford mean?
Benford means "from a place with a bend" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Benford?
Benford is currently ranked #980 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Benford?
Benford originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Benford?
Benford is a two-syllable name pronounced BENF-erd. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Benford a common or rare name?
Benford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.