What does Woodford mean and where does it come from?
Woodford is primarily an English surname and place name, originating from Old English. It denotes someone who lived near a river crossing through a wood or forested area. The name often reflects geographical features important to medieval English society. There are several places named Woodford in t
Cultural significance
Woodford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #1300 in 1916 — currently #9661 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Woodford?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Woodford?
Woodford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Woodford Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodford John
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodford Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodford Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Woodford Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Woodford Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Woodford right now?
Rising fast — up 4423 spots — currently #9661 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #9661 | 8 | ▲ up 4423 · +60% births |
| 2023 | #14084 | 5 | ▼ down 3302 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #10782 | 7 | ▼ down 7147 · +17% births |
| 1955 | #3635 | 6 | ▲ up 201 · +20% births |
| 1950 | #3836 | 5 | ▼ down 1350 · -44% births |
| 1945 | #2486 | 9 | ▲ up 97 |
| 1940 | #2583 | 9 | ▲ up 261 · +13% births |
| 1935 | #2844 | 8 | ▼ down 1105 · -58% births |
| 1930 | #1739 | 19 | ▲ up 321 · +19% births |
| 1925 | #2060 | 16 | ▼ down 320 · -24% births |
| 1920 | #1740 | 21 | ▼ down 144 · +5% births |
| 1915 | #1596 | 20 | — |
The story of Woodford
Woodford entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 558 total births recorded, Woodford remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1596 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14084 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Woodford in 1916:
Woodford by decade
Woodford peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s ★ | 164 | |
| 1920s | 161 | |
| 1930s | 81 | |
| 1940s | 100 | |
| 1950s | 37 | |
| 1960s | 15 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Woodford has only 558 total recorded births since 1911 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Woodford?
What names sound and feel like Woodford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Woodford also consider these
Common questions about the name Woodford
What does the name Woodford mean?
Woodford means "Old English" — 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 Woodford?
Woodford is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Woodford?
Woodford 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 Woodford?
Woodford is a two-syllable name pronounced WUHDF-erd. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Woodford a common or rare name?
Woodford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.