“Namesake of a river crossing” — Associated with the River Rutherford
England origin · Boy name
♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls
#7642US 2023
11Births / yr
↑Rising
697All-time births
📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Rutherford
RUHTH·er·ferd
/ˈrəθ.ɝ.fɝd/ · stress on RUHTH · 3 syllables
“Namesake of a river crossing”
Associated with the River Rutherford · England origin
What does Rutherford mean and where does it come from?
The name Rutherford is of Old English origin, derived from words meaning 'cattle' and 'ford'. The name is associated with the River Rutherford, and historically, it has been used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name. It is notably borne by the Scottish physicist Ernest Rutherford, wh
Cultural significance
Rutherford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of namesake of a river crossing.
Rising fast — up 1202 spots — currently #7642 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#7642 · Top 5.6%
1920
1925
1930
1935
1940
1945
1950
1955
1965
1970
1990
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#7642
11
▲ up 1202 · +22% births
2022
#8844
9
▼ down 1368 · -18% births
2021
#7476
11
▲ up 3046 · +83% births
2020
#10522
6
▼ down 4088 · -14% births
1990
#6434
7
▼ down 2185 · +17% births
1970
#4249
6
▼ down 290 · +20% births
1965
#3959
5
▼ down 982 · -37% births
1955
#2977
8
▲ up 59 · +14% births
1950
#3036
7
▲ up 339 · +40% births
1945
#3375
5
▼ down 873 · -44% births
1940
#2502
9
▼ down 561 · -36% births
1935
#1941
14
▲ up 44 · -7% births
1930
#1985
15
▲ up 220 · +7% births
1925
#2205
14
▼ down 308 · -22% births
1920
#1897
18
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Rutherford
1905Rank #864
19
#4047
↘Falling
1905 - 202318 years
The story of Rutherford
Rutherford has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 697 total births recorded, Rutherford remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #736 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7642 in 2023.
Rutherford means "Namesake of a river crossing" — 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 Rutherford?
Rutherford is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rutherford have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rutherford?
Rutherford 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 Rutherford?
Rutherford is a three-syllable name pronounced R AH1 TH ER0 F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Rutherford?
Rutherford pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar England heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Rutherford
For a sister
Rutherford & Grace♡
Rutherford & Lucy♡
Rutherford & Margaret♡
Rutherford & Edwin♡
For a brother
Rutherford & Edwin♡
Rutherford & Edgar♡
Rutherford & Louisa♡
Rutherford & Hansford♡
Save your shortlist
Get your saved names emailed to you + weekly picks
Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#7642
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
Parents who viewed Rutherford also looked at…
Based on what other parents saved alongside Rutherford