What does Wilford mean and where does it come from?
Wilford is traditionally a male name of Old English origin, from the elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'ford' meaning 'river crossing.' Although primarily male, it is now occasionally used for females. It is not common as a first name but can reflect a strong and peaceful character. Nota
Cultural significance
Wilford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of desiring peace.
Peak popularity
Reached #5001 in 1925 — currently #1791 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Wilford?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Wilford?
Wilford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wilford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wilford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wilford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wilford Claire
French influence · crisp
Wilford Jane
Literary · strong
Wilford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wilford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1791 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1791 | 409 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1796 | 389 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1801 | 359 | ▲ up 3200 · +7080% births |
| 1925 | #5001 | 5 | — |
The story of Wilford
Wilford entered American naming records in 1925 and has been in use for over 99 years. A total of 10,414 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5001 in 1925 to #1791 in 2023. Wilford is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Wilford in 1925:
Wilford by decade
Wilford peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 170 | |
| 1890s | 191 | |
| 1900s | 246 | |
| 1910s | 1,698 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,497 | |
| 1930s | 1,689 | |
| 1940s | 1,345 | |
| 1950s | 1,071 | |
| 1960s | 598 | |
| 1970s | 389 | |
| 1980s | 228 | |
| 1990s | 127 | |
| 2000s | 72 | |
| 2010s | 86 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
What are good nicknames for Wilford?
What names sound and feel like Wilford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wilford also consider these
Common questions about the name Wilford
What does the name Wilford mean?
Wilford means "desiring peace" — a name rooted in English 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 Wilford?
Wilford is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Wilford?
Wilford originates from English tradition. English 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 Wilford?
Wilford is a two-syllable name pronounced W 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 Wilford a common or rare name?
Wilford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.