What does Wofford mean and where does it come from?
Wofford is an English surname that has become increasingly recognized as a first name. It is believed to have Old English origins, signifying a geographical feature, specifically a ford (river crossing) near a willow tree. The name is fairly uncommon and has historical links to the Wofford family in
Cultural significance
Wofford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2968 in 1922 — currently #1376 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Wofford?
Wofford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Wofford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Wofford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Wofford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Wofford Claire
French influence · crisp
Wofford Jane
Literary · strong
Wofford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Wofford right now?
Holding steady — currently #1376 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1376 | 824 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1381 | 804 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1386 | 774 | ▲ up 2198 · +15380% births |
| 1945 | #3584 | 5 | ▼ down 80 · -17% births |
| 1935 | #3504 | 6 | ▲ up 474 |
| 1925 | #3978 | 6 | — |
The story of Wofford
Wofford entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 92 total births recorded, Wofford remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3978 in 1925 to #1376 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Wofford in 1922:
Wofford by decade
Wofford peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 24 | |
| 1920s ★ | 41 | |
| 1930s | 17 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
💎Wofford has only 92 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Wofford?
What names sound and feel like Wofford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Wofford also consider these
Common questions about the name Wofford
What does the name Wofford mean?
Wofford means "Old English" — a name rooted in American 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 Wofford?
Wofford 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 Wofford?
Wofford originates from American tradition. American 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 Wofford?
Wofford is a two-syllable name pronounced W AA1 F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Wofford a common or rare name?
Wofford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.