What does Thedford mean and where does it come from?
Thedford is a surname that has also been adopted as a first name. It is derived from Old English elements referring to a ford (a shallow place in a river or stream) and 'þyð' which means bush or thicket. It is a relatively uncommon name, often located in historical regions of England.
Cultural significance
Thedford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ford by a thick bush.
Peak popularity
Reached #2708 in 1913 — currently #1612 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Thedford?
Thedford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Thedford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Thedford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Thedford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Thedford Claire
French influence · crisp
Thedford Jane
Literary · strong
Thedford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Thedford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1612 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1612 | 588 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1617 | 568 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1622 | 538 | ▲ up 2031 · +8867% births |
| 1955 | #3653 | 6 | ▼ down 167 |
| 1950 | #3486 | 6 | ▲ up 342 · +20% births |
| 1935 | #3828 | 5 | ▲ up 562 |
| 1925 | #4390 | 5 | ▲ up 90 |
| 1920 | #4480 | 5 | ▼ down 1247 · -29% births |
| 1915 | #3233 | 7 | — |
The story of Thedford
Thedford entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 153 total births recorded, Thedford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3233 in 1915 to #1612 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Thedford in 1913:
Thedford by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 37 | |
| 1920s ★ | 52 | |
| 1930s | 29 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 18 | |
💎Thedford has only 153 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Thedford?
What names sound and feel like Thedford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Thedford also consider these
Common questions about the name Thedford
What does the name Thedford mean?
Thedford means "Ford by a thick bush" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Thedford?
Thedford 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 Thedford?
Thedford originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Thedford?
Thedford is a two-syllable name pronounced TH EH1 D F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Thedford a common or rare name?
Thedford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.