Raford

“A variation of the name 'Radford', meaning 'red ford'.”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#926US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

169All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Raford

RAF·AWRD

/ˈræf.ˈɔrd/ · stress on RAF · 2 syllables

“A variation of the name 'Radford', meaning 'red ford'.”

American origin · Boy name

What does Raford mean and where does it come from?

Raford is a surname-derived given name linked to geographical locations. It is relatively uncommon and may appeal to those looking for unique names with heritage. The name derived from Old English elements: 'ræd', meaning 'red', and 'ford', meaning 'river crossing'. The name can evoke images of stre

Cultural significance

Raford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of the name 'radford', meaning 'red ford'..

Peak popularity

Reached #2511 in 1935 — currently #926 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Raford?

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

Raford Grace

How popular is Raford right now?

Holding steady — currently #926 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#926 · Top 0.68%

1920

1925

1935

1950

1965

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#926	1,274	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#931	1,254	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#936	1,224	▲ up 3198 · +24380% births
1965	#4134	5	▼ down 182
1950	#3952	5	▼ down 1441 · -50% births
1935	#2511	10	▲ up 848 · +25% births
1925	#3359	8	▲ up 765 · +33% births
1920	#4124	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Raford

Best Year2023Rank #926

Peak Count1,274

Average Rank#2609

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 20238 years

The story of Raford

Raford entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 169 total births recorded, Raford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4124 in 1920 to #926 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Raford in 1935:

Robert James John William Richard

Raford by decade

Raford peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	12
1920s	40
1930s ★	52
1940s	26
1950s	18
1960s	16
1980s	5

💎Raford has only 169 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Raford?

Common

RafRafieRafyAford

What names sound and feel like Raford?

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

Rayford

American · Scottish

Raiford

American · Derived from the

Raeford

American · A beloved name

Waford

American · Derived from 'wæf',

Saford

American · from the willow

Ranford

English · the ford where

Radford

England · Red ford

Alford

American · From the elf's

Common questions about the name Raford

What does the name Raford mean?

Raford means "A variation of the name 'Radford', meaning 'red ford'." — 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 Raford?

Raford is currently ranked #926 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 Raford?

Raford 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 Raford?

Raford is a two-syllable name pronounced R AE1 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 Raford a common or rare name?

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