Raiford

“Derived from the Old English word for 'ford where a deer crosses'”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1507US 2023

693Births / yr

→Stable

594All-time births

📅 Since 191300

What does Raiford mean and where does it come from?

Raiford is a masculine name of English origin. It is relatively rare and is often considered a variant of the name 'Rayford'. The name can be traced back to Old English origins, where 'rae' translates to 'roe deer' and 'ford' means 'river crossing'. The name is known mostly in the United States, and

Cultural significance

Raiford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the old english word for 'ford where a deer crosses'.

Peak popularity

Reached #1831 in 1931 — currently #1507 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Raiford?

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

Raiford Grace

How popular is Raiford right now?

Holding steady — currently #1507 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1507 · Top 1.1%

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1507	693	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1512	673	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1517	643	▲ up 3756 · +9086% births
1985	#5273	7	▼ down 325 · +17% births
1975	#4948	6	▼ down 579
1970	#4369	6	▼ down 276 · +20% births
1965	#4093	5	▼ down 1112 · -44% births
1960	#2981	9	▲ up 107 · +13% births
1955	#3088	8	▼ down 1001 · -43% births
1950	#2087	14	▲ up 603 · +75% births
1945	#2690	8	▲ up 632 · +33% births
1940	#3322	6	▼ down 1099 · -50% births
1935	#2223	12	▲ up 722 · +33% births
1930	#2945	9	▼ down 529 · -31% births
1925	#2416	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Raiford

Best Year2023Rank #1507

Peak Count693

Average Rank#2992

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202317 years

The story of Raiford

Raiford entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 594 total births recorded, Raiford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2781 in 1915 to #1507 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Raiford in 1931:

Robert James John William Richard

Raiford by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	77
1920s	110
1930s	105
1940s ★	111
1950s	92
1960s	46
1970s	35
1980s	13
1990s	5

💎Raiford has only 594 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Raiford?

Common

RaiRaifRaifieRaifyIford

What names sound and feel like Raiford?

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

Raeford

American · A beloved name

Raford

American · A variation of

Rayford

American · Scottish

Ranford

English · the ford where

Radford

England · Red ford

Manford

American · man from the

Malford

American · Possibly derived from

Alford

American · From the elf's

Common questions about the name Raiford

What does the name Raiford mean?

Raiford means "Derived from the Old English word for 'ford where a deer crosses'" — 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 Raiford?

Raiford 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 Raiford?

Raiford 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.

Is Raiford a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Raiford?

Raiford 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.