Buford

“From the fields”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1756US 2023

444Births / yr

→Stable

11kAll-time births

📅 Since 190800

How to pronounce Buford

BYOO·ferd

/ˈbjuː.fɝd/ · stress on BYOO · 2 syllables

“From the fields”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Buford mean and where does it come from?

The name Buford originates from Old English elements 'burh' meaning 'fort' and 'ford' meaning a 'river crossing'. Despite common usage as a masculine name, it has occasionally been used for females. It is primarily known as a last name but has been adopted in some cases as a first name. Variations a

Cultural significance

Buford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the fields.

Peak popularity

Reached #2133 in 1908 — currently #1756 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Buford?

Buford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Buford Grace

How popular is Buford right now?

Holding steady — currently #1756 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1756 · Top 1.3%

1910

1915

1920

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1756	444	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1761	424	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1766	394	▲ up 2623 · +7780% births
1940	#4389	5	▲ up 613
1920	#5002	5	▼ down 701
1915	#4301	5	▼ down 2136 · -17% births
1910	#2165	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Buford

Best Year2023Rank #1756

Peak Count444

Average Rank#3020

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 20237 years

The story of Buford

Buford entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. A total of 10,953 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2165 in 1910 to #1756 in 2023. Buford is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Buford in 1908:

Mary Helen Margaret Ruth Anna

Buford by decade

Buford peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	69
1890s	156
1900s	282
1910s	1,785
1920s ★	2,799
1930s	1,942
1940s	1,657
1950s	968
1960s	587
1970s	375
1980s	203
1990s	88
2000s	32
2010s	10

What are good nicknames for Buford?

Common

BufBufieBufyUford

What names sound and feel like Buford?

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

Bufford

English · dweller by the

Bueford

American · Derived from a

Bluford

American · blue ford or

Burford

England · From the fortress

Bufard

France · beau fort, strong

Ruford

United Kingdom · Derived from Old

Beuford

American · Derived from the

Shuford

American · Possibly derived from

Common questions about the name Buford

What does the name Buford mean?

Buford means "From the fields" — 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 Buford?

Buford is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Buford?

Buford 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 Buford?

Buford is a two-syllable name pronounced B Y UW1 F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Buford a common or rare name?

Buford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.