Guilford

“servant”

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1549US 2023

651Births / yr

→Stable

589All-time births

📅 Since 188500.01% of births at peak

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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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

How popular is Guilford right now?

Holding steady — currently #1549 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1549 · Top 1.1%

1885

1890

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1965

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Guilford

Best Year2023Rank #1549

Peak Count651

Average Rank#2273

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202313 years

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:

John William James George Charles

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?

Common

GuiGuieGuyIlford

What names sound and feel like Guilford?

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

Guildford

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Mulford

United Kingdom · from the mill

Gilford

England · A gift from

Guillory

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Tilford

United Kingdom · Ford by the

Gifford

United Kingdom · from the Old

Lunsford

United Kingdom · From the lonesome

Willford

United Kingdom · Old English

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.