Lynford is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its meaning can be interpreted in two ways depending on how it is divided.
The first interpretation suggests that Lynford could be derived from the Middle English word "lynne," which means "flax." Combined with the word "ford," which signifies a shallow place to cross a river, Lynford could therefore mean "shallow crossing place where flax grows."
Alternatively, Lynford might also be considered an extended form of the name Lynn, which is derived from the Old English given name Lyne. If this is the case, Lynford would likely have a similar meaning to Lynn, possibly denoting someone who lives near a pool or lake.
The name Lynford does not appear in any historical records, and its origin and usage are relatively unexplored. It is believed to be a rare name that may have been created as a unique option for parents looking for something different for their child's name.
Today, Lynford remains an uncommon name, with very few individuals bearing this moniker across the globe. Its rarity contributes to its unique appeal, making it a memorable choice for those who wish to honor English heritage while providing their child with a distinctive identity.
The name Lynford has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1913 and the most recent in 2023. Throughout this period, there have been a total of 327 births with this name.
While Lynford was quite popular during its early years, reaching a peak of 15 births in 1926, it has since become less common. In fact, the number of babies named Lynford has generally hovered around five or six births per year from the 1930s onwards, with some fluctuations here and there.
Interestingly, there have been two periods where the name Lynford seemed to experience a slight resurgence in popularity: one in the late 1940s and early 1950s (with birth totals of nine, eight, seven, six, five, and six), and another more recent one at the turn of the millennium (with seven births in 1999). However, these increases were temporary, as the number of Lynford births has since returned to its usual level of around five or six per year.
Overall, while Lynford may not be a ubiquitous name, it has nonetheless maintained a consistent presence among American baby names for over a century. This longevity speaks to the enduring appeal of this particular moniker and the families who have chosen it for their children across generations.