Linford

“lake ford; by the lake”

England origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13337US 2000

7Births / yr

↑Rising

779All-time births

📅 Since 189600

How to pronounce Linford

LINF·erd

/ˈlɪnf.ɝd/ · stress on LINF · 2 syllables

“lake ford; by the lake”

England origin · Boy name

What does Linford mean and where does it come from?

The name 'Linford' has English origins, derived from Old English meaning 'lake ford'. It may historically refer to locations near water bodies, emphasizing geographical features important to early settlements. As a surname, it has likely been adopted as a given name in more recent centuries. 'Linfor

Cultural significance

Linford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lake ford; by the lake.

Peak popularity

Reached #1259 in 1896 — currently #13337 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Linford?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Lynford

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Linford?

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

Linford Grace

How popular is Linford right now?

Rising fast — up 698 spots — currently #13337 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2000#13337 · Top 9.8%

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1975

1980

1985

1995

2000

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2000	#8253	7	▲ up 698 · +40% births
1995	#8951	5	▼ down 2332
1985	#6619	5	▼ down 1617 · -29% births
1980	#5002	7	▼ down 1294 · -22% births
1975	#3708	9	▼ down 100 · +50% births
1965	#3608	6	▼ down 677 · -33% births
1960	#2931	9	▲ up 344 · +29% births
1955	#3275	7	▼ down 1026 · -42% births
1950	#2249	12	▼ down 184
1945	#2065	12	▲ up 173 · +9% births
1940	#2238	11	▼ down 267 · -21% births
1935	#1971	14	▲ up 383 · +17% births
1930	#2354	12	▼ down 377 · -29% births
1925	#1977	17	▲ up 1573 · +143% births
1920	#3550	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Linford

Best Year1935Rank #1971

Peak Count17

Average Rank#3889

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 200016 years

The story of Linford

Linford has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. With 779 total births recorded, Linford remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3477 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8253 in 2000.

Names that peaked alongside Linford in 1896:

John William James George Charles

Linford by decade

Linford peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1910s	83
1920s ★	144
1930s	121
1940s	114
1950s	100
1960s	73
1970s	32
1980s	37
1990s	23
2000s	30
2010s	17

💎Linford has only 779 total recorded births since 1896 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Linford?

Common

LinLiInford

What names sound and feel like Linford?

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

Gilford

England · A gift from

Winford

American · A friend of

Binford

USA · A beloved name

Wintford

England · Winters' Ford

Lenford

American · From the lake

Lanford

English · A place name

Sanford

England · sandy ford

Linward

American · Lake guardian

Common questions about the name Linford

What does the name Linford mean?

Linford means "lake ford; by the lake" — a name rooted in England 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 Linford?

Linford 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 Linford?

Linford originates from England tradition. England 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 Linford?

Linford is a two-syllable name pronounced L IH1 N F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Linford a common or rare name?

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