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 #10884 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Buford?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Buford John
One syllable · timeless choice
Buford Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Buford Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Buford Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Buford Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Buford right now?
Falling — down 9128 spots — currently #10884 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10884 | 6 | ▼ down 9128 · -99% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
What are good nicknames for Buford?
What names sound and feel like Buford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Buford also consider these
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 BYOO-ferd. 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.