What does Guilford mean and where does it come from?
The name Guilford derives from the Old English personal name 'Gilla', meaning 'servant' or 'friend', combined with 'ford', referring to a river crossing. The name is primarily found in England, with notable prominence in the historical town of Guilford in Surrey. It has been used as both a given nam
Cultural significance
Guilford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #809 in 1890 — currently #1549 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Guilford?
Guilford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guilford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Guilford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Guilford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Guilford Claire
French influence · crisp
Guilford Jane
Literary · strong
Guilford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Guilford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1549 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1549 | 651 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1554 | 631 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1559 | 601 | ▲ up 2432 · +11920% births |
| 1965 | #3991 | 5 | ▼ down 744 · -29% births |
| 1955 | #3247 | 7 | ▼ down 1201 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #2046 | 14 | ▲ up 751 · +100% births |
| 1945 | #2797 | 7 | ▼ down 83 · -12% births |
| 1940 | #2714 | 8 | ▼ down 425 · -27% births |
| 1935 | #2289 | 11 | ▼ down 178 · -21% births |
| 1930 | #2111 | 14 | ▼ down 408 · -33% births |
| 1925 | #1703 | 21 | ▲ up 556 · +50% births |
| 1920 | #2259 | 14 | ▼ down 526 · -18% births |
| 1915 | #1733 | 17 | ▼ down 924 · +113% births |
| 1890 | #809 | 8 | ▲ up 259 · +60% births |
| 1885 | #1068 | 5 | — |
The story of Guilford
Guilford has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 589 total births recorded, Guilford remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1068 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1549 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guilford in 1890:
Guilford by decade
Guilford peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 8 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 130 | |
| 1920s ★ | 165 | |
| 1930s | 100 | |
| 1940s | 88 | |
| 1950s | 67 | |
| 1960s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
💎Guilford has only 589 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Guilford?
What names sound and feel like Guilford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guilford also consider these
Common questions about the name Guilford
What does the name Guilford mean?
Guilford means "Old English" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Guilford?
Guilford is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Guilford?
Guilford originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Guilford a common or rare name?
Guilford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Guilford?
Guilford naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.