Shuford is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. Its exact derivation and meaning are not definitively known, as it does not appear to be derived from any commonly recognized source. Some sources suggest that Shuford may have originated as an Americanized form of the German surname "Schoefield," which was itself derived from a location in Germany called Schoeffeld. However, this connection is not widely accepted or proven.
One theory suggests that Shuford may have been created as a variant spelling of the given name "Shirley." This connection is supported by the fact that both names share some similarities in sound and structure, and that they were both used in English-speaking communities during the same historical period. However, this theory also has its limitations, as there is no direct evidence linking Shuford to Shirley.
Another theory proposes that Shuford may have been a name created for literary or artistic purposes. Some sources suggest that it was used as a character name in certain works of fiction, although no specific examples are provided. This theory is supported by the fact that Shuford does not appear to have been widely used as a given name until the mid-20th century, when its use may have been influenced by popular culture.
Despite its uncertain origins and meaning, Shuford has been used as a given name in English-speaking communities for several decades. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name was first given to a significant number of babies in 1956, with the highest usage occurring between the mid-1970s and early 1980s. Since then, its usage has declined somewhat but it remains relatively uncommon compared to many other names.
In conclusion, Shuford is an American given name of uncertain origin and meaning. While some sources propose possible derivations from German surnames or variant spellings of the name Shirley, these theories are not widely accepted or proven. Ultimately, the origins and meaning of Shuford may remain shrouded in mystery, adding to its unique and distinctive character as a given name.
The name Shuford has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 39 babies given this name between 1915 and 1935. The highest peak in popularity occurred in 1922 and 1924, with 11 and 10 births respectively. However, there were also years when the name was less common, such as 1915 and 1935, with only 5 births each. Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that Shuford has been a unique choice among parents during this period, with its highest popularity occurring in the mid-1920s.