Ledford is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hlæford", which means "loaf-worthy" or "bread-maker". This term was used to refer to someone who was considered worthy of being in charge, likely due to their leadership skills or position of authority.
The name Ledford has a long and rich history dating back to medieval England. It is believed to have been brought to America by early English settlers, with the first recorded instance of the name appearing in colonial Virginia in the 17th century.
Over time, the spelling of Ledford has evolved, with variations such as Leadford, Liddord, and Ledbetter emerging. Despite these variations, the meaning behind the name has remained consistent: someone who is considered worthy of leadership or authority.
Today, Ledford remains a rare but meaningful given name, carried by individuals who likely possess qualities associated with its historic significance, such as strong leadership skills and a desire to take on positions of responsibility.
Based on the statistical data provided, we can observe that the name Ledford has had varying popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1914 to 1925, there were several fluctuations in the number of births registered with the name Ledford. The highest years during this period were 1916 and 1921, with 12 births each. However, it's important to note that these numbers are relatively low compared to other names' popularity during those times.
After a decline in the early 1930s, the number of Ledford births started to pick up again, reaching a peak in 1936 with 11 births. This trend continued until the late 1940s, with a notable increase in 1944 (10 births) and consistent numbers around 7 births per year between 1948 and 1954.
However, from the mid-1950s onwards, the popularity of the name Ledford seemed to decrease significantly. There were only 5 births each in 1963 and 1966, indicating that the name may have been less commonly chosen during this period.
In total, over the years covered by these statistics (from 1914 to 1966), there were a combined 248 births with the name Ledford in the United States. While this number is not extremely high compared to other names' popularity, it does show that Ledford has been a recurring choice for parents over several decades.