Medford

“A river crossing”

USA origin · originated in Massachusetts

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#544US 2023

1.7kBirths / yr

→Stable

665All-time births

📅 Since 191100

How to pronounce Medford

MEDF·erd

/ˈmɛdf.ɝd/ · stress on MEDF · 2 syllables

“A river crossing”

USA origin · Boy name

What does Medford mean and where does it come from?

The name Medford is of Old English origin, derived from 'mǣd' meaning 'meadow' and 'ford' meaning 'river crossing'. It is a place name that originated in Massachusetts, and is also used as a surname. The name has historical significance due to the town's early establishment in the 17th century. Medf

Cultural significance

Medford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a river crossing.

Peak popularity

Reached #1244 in 1924 — currently #544 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Medford?

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

Medford Grace

How popular is Medford right now?

Holding steady — currently #544 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#544 · Top 0.40%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#544	1,656	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#549	1,636	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#554	1,606	▲ up 5844 · +32020% births
1980	#6398	5	▼ down 2616 · -17% births
1960	#3782	6	▼ down 149
1955	#3633	6	▼ down 1115 · -40% births
1950	#2518	10	▼ down 431 · -17% births
1945	#2087	12	▼ down 417 · -33% births
1940	#1670	18	▲ up 532 · +50% births
1935	#2202	12	▲ up 57 · -8% births
1930	#2259	13	▼ down 468 · -35% births
1925	#1791	20	▲ up 77 · +5% births
1920	#1868	19	▲ up 79 · +27% births
1915	#1947	15	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Medford

Best Year2023Rank #544

Peak Count1,656

Average Rank#2272

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202314 years

The story of Medford

Medford entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 665 total births recorded, Medford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1947 in 1915 to #544 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Medford in 1924:

Robert John William James Charles

Medford by decade

Medford peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	117
1920s ★	214
1930s	126
1940s	112
1950s	58
1960s	33
1980s	5

💎Medford has only 665 total recorded births since 1911 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Medford?

Common

MedMeEdford

What names sound and feel like Medford?

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

Melford

United Kingdom · From the river

Tedford

English · fort by the

United Kingdom · English

Edford

American · English

Lenford

American · From the lake

Common questions about the name Medford

What does the name Medford mean?

Medford means "A river crossing" — a name rooted in USA 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 Medford?

Medford is currently ranked #544 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 Medford?

Medford originates from USA tradition. USA 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 Medford?

Medford is a two-syllable name pronounced M 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.

What are good nicknames for Medford?

Medford 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.