What does Tilford mean and where does it come from?
Tilford is an Old English name that originates from the geographical features, literally translating as 'ford by the land of the tiles.' It is predominantly found in England and has made its way into American culture through migration. The name is quite rare but may appear in historical records or l
Cultural significance
Tilford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ford by the land of the tiles.
Peak popularity
Reached #1029 in 1883 — currently #1080 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tilford?
Tilford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tilford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tilford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tilford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tilford Claire
French influence · crisp
Tilford Jane
Literary · strong
Tilford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tilford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1080 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1080 | 1,120 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1085 | 1,100 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1090 | 1,070 | ▲ up 3760 · +17733% births |
| 1975 | #4850 | 6 | ▼ down 60 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #4790 | 5 | ▼ down 1411 · -29% births |
| 1960 | #3379 | 7 | ▼ down 586 · -22% births |
| 1955 | #2793 | 9 | ▲ up 591 · +50% births |
| 1950 | #3384 | 6 | ▼ down 1343 · -50% births |
| 1945 | #2041 | 12 | ▲ up 865 · +71% births |
| 1940 | #2906 | 7 | ▼ down 577 · -42% births |
| 1930 | #2329 | 12 | ▼ down 682 · -45% births |
| 1925 | #1647 | 22 | ▲ up 266 · +22% births |
| 1920 | #1913 | 18 | ▲ up 188 · +38% births |
| 1915 | #2101 | 13 | — |
The story of Tilford
Tilford has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. With 640 total births recorded, Tilford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2101 in 1915 to #1080 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tilford in 1883:
Tilford by decade
Tilford peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 106 | |
| 1920s ★ | 162 | |
| 1930s | 106 | |
| 1940s | 105 | |
| 1950s | 65 | |
| 1960s | 46 | |
| 1970s | 40 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
💎Tilford has only 640 total recorded births since 1883 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tilford?
What names sound and feel like Tilford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilford also consider these
Common questions about the name Tilford
What does the name Tilford mean?
Tilford means "Ford by the land of the tiles" — 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 Tilford?
Tilford 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 Tilford?
Tilford 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 Tilford?
Tilford is a two-syllable name pronounced T IH1 L F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tilford a common or rare name?
Tilford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.