Benford

“from a place with a bend”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#980US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

366All-time births

📅 Since 191500

How to pronounce Benford

BENF·erd

/ˈbɛnf.ɝd/ · stress on BENF · 2 syllables

“from a place with a bend”

American origin · Boy name

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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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 Grace

How popular is Benford right now?

Holding steady — currently #980 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#980 · Top 0.72%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1960

1975

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Benford

Best Year2023Rank #980

Peak Count1,220

Average Rank#3048

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202312 years

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:

James Robert John William Richard

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?

Common

BenBeEnford

What names sound and feel like Benford?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Benford also consider these

Beuford

American · Derived from the

Lenford

American · From the lake

Belford

England · Old English

Bedford

United Kingdom · English

Beauford

American · Beautiful ford

Denford

England · From the valley

Relford

American · From the reed

Wenford

United Kingdom · English

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 B EH1 N F ER0 D. 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.