What does Raeford mean and where does it come from?
Raeford is a place name derived from a combination of Old English and local history. It is notably recognized as a city in North Carolina, USA, established during the early 20th century. The name may be interpreted as 'ford by the roe deer', with 'rae' suggesting 'roe' and 'ford' indicating a shallo
Cultural significance
Raeford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #1525 in 1941 — currently #1573 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Raeford?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Raeford?
Raeford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Raeford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Raeford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Raeford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Raeford Claire
French influence · crisp
Raeford Jane
Literary · strong
Raeford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Raeford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1573 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1573 | 627 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1578 | 607 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1583 | 577 | ▲ up 2855 · +8143% births |
| 1975 | #4438 | 7 | ▼ down 478 |
| 1970 | #3960 | 7 | ▼ down 857 · -12% births |
| 1955 | #3103 | 8 | ▼ down 1177 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #1926 | 16 | ▲ up 991 · +129% births |
| 1945 | #2917 | 7 | ▼ down 108 · -12% births |
| 1940 | #2809 | 8 | ▼ down 794 · -43% births |
| 1935 | #2015 | 14 | ▼ down 324 · -30% births |
| 1930 | #1691 | 20 | ▲ up 1028 · +82% births |
| 1925 | #2719 | 11 | ▲ up 981 · +57% births |
| 1920 | #3700 | 7 | ▼ down 675 · -12% births |
| 1915 | #3025 | 8 | — |
The story of Raeford
Raeford entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 613 total births recorded, Raeford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3025 in 1915 to #1573 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Raeford in 1941:
Raeford by decade
Raeford peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 57 | |
| 1920s | 122 | |
| 1930s | 118 | |
| 1940s ★ | 132 | |
| 1950s | 117 | |
| 1960s | 35 | |
| 1970s | 25 | |
| 1980s | 7 | |
💎Raeford has only 613 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Raeford?
Common
RaeRaefRaefieRaefyEford
What names sound and feel like Raeford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Raeford also consider these
Common questions about the name Raeford
What does the name Raeford mean?
Raeford means "A beloved name with deep roots" — 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 Raeford?
Raeford 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 Raeford?
Raeford 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 Raeford?
Raeford is a two-syllable name pronounced R EY1 F AO1 R D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Raeford a common or rare name?
Raeford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.