What does Stafford mean and where does it come from?
Stafford is of Old English origin and historically has been used as both a first name and surname. The name is associated with the town of Stafford in England, which has roots dating back to the 8th century. First recorded use is seen in medieval times. The use of Stafford as a first name can indica
Cultural significance
Stafford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of steep ford.
Peak popularity
Reached #837 in 1884 — currently #7235 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Stafford?
Stafford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Stafford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Stafford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Stafford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Stafford Claire
French influence · crisp
Stafford Jane
Literary · strong
Stafford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Stafford right now?
Falling — down 1832 spots — currently #7235 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7235 | 12 | ▼ down 1832 · -33% births |
| 2022 | #5403 | 18 | ▲ up 898 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #6301 | 14 | ▼ down 346 |
| 2020 | #5955 | 14 | ▲ up 40 |
| 2015 | #5995 | 14 | ▲ up 1599 · +40% births |
| 2010 | #7594 | 10 | ▼ down 3195 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #4399 | 17 | ▼ down 835 · -6% births |
| 1995 | #3564 | 18 | ▼ down 386 · -5% births |
| 1990 | #3178 | 19 | ▼ down 452 · +6% births |
| 1985 | #2726 | 18 | ▲ up 723 · +50% births |
| 1980 | #3449 | 12 | ▼ down 1687 · -57% births |
| 1975 | #1762 | 28 | ▼ down 496 · -35% births |
| 1970 | #1266 | 43 | ▼ down 94 · +2% births |
| 1965 | #1172 | 42 | ▲ up 28 · -2% births |
| 1960 | #1200 | 43 | — |
The story of Stafford
Stafford has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 2,762 total births recorded, Stafford remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1176 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7235 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Stafford in 1884:
Stafford by decade
Stafford peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 18 | |
| 1900s | 31 | |
| 1910s | 244 | |
| 1920s | 295 | |
| 1930s | 248 | |
| 1940s | 305 | |
| 1950s ★ | 419 | |
| 1960s | 398 | |
| 1970s | 213 | |
| 1980s | 188 | |
| 1990s | 168 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s | 129 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎With 2,762 total births, Stafford is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Stafford?
What names sound and feel like Stafford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Stafford also consider these
Common questions about the name Stafford
What does the name Stafford mean?
Stafford means "Steep ford" — 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 Stafford?
Stafford is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Stafford have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Stafford?
Stafford 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 Stafford?
Stafford is a two-syllable name pronounced S T AE1 F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Stafford trending right now?
Stafford is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.