What does Ledford mean and where does it come from?
The surname Ledford is of English origin, deriving from the Old English elements 'leod' meaning 'people' and 'ford' meaning 'a river crossing.' It was first recorded in the United States in the 19th century. Ledford is primarily a surname, but it can also be used as a given name.
Cultural significance
Ledford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2273 in 1936 — currently #1534 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ledford?
Ledford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ledford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ledford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ledford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ledford Claire
French influence · crisp
Ledford Jane
Literary · strong
Ledford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ledford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1534 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1534 | 666 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1539 | 646 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1544 | 616 | ▲ up 2019 · +12220% births |
| 1945 | #3563 | 5 | ▼ down 540 · -29% births |
| 1940 | #3023 | 7 | ▲ up 115 |
| 1935 | #3138 | 7 | ▲ up 666 · +17% births |
| 1930 | #3804 | 6 | ▲ up 132 |
| 1925 | #3936 | 6 | ▼ down 1014 · -40% births |
| 1920 | #2922 | 10 | — |
The story of Ledford
Ledford entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 248 total births recorded, Ledford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2922 in 1920 to #1534 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ledford in 1936:
Ledford by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 47 | |
| 1920s ★ | 75 | |
| 1930s | 62 | |
| 1940s | 48 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
💎Ledford has only 248 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ledford?
What names sound and feel like Ledford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ledford also consider these
Common questions about the name Ledford
What does the name Ledford mean?
Ledford means "English" — 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 Ledford?
Ledford 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 Ledford?
Ledford 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 Ledford?
Ledford is a two-syllable name pronounced L EH1 D F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ledford a common or rare name?
Ledford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.