Guilford is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from an Old English surname that was derived from the name of various settlements in England. The name Guilford means "gold ford" or "powerful ford," with "GUIL-" meaning "powerful" and "-FORD" referring to a river crossing point.
The name Guilford has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name was first used as a surname for people who lived near one of the many places called Guilford in England, such as Guilford in Surrey or Guilden Morden in Cambridgeshire. Over time, the name began to be used as a given name as well.
Guilford has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. For example, Thomas Guilford was an English politician who served as Member of Parliament for Guildford in the 14th century. Additionally, Guilford Dudley was the husband of Lady Jane Grey, who briefly ruled England as queen in the mid-16th century.
Today, Guilford remains a rare but charming name choice for parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful for their son. It has a strong and powerful sound, reflecting its original meaning, while also being easy to pronounce and spell. Overall, Guilford is a timeless name with a rich history and a unique origin story that makes it an appealing choice for parents-to-be.
Based on the provided statistics, here's an explanatory and positive text about the name Guilford:
The name Guilford has seen a varied history of popularity among parents in the United States over the past century. The journey begins in 1885 with five newborns being named Guilford, marking the start of this name's presence on American birth records.
In the following decades, there were periods of fluctuation, with peaks and troughs in popularity. For instance, between 1908 and 1923, there was a noticeable increase in babies named Guilford, reaching a high of 22 births in 1923. This suggests that during this era, the name Guilford gained traction among parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
However, like many unique names, Guilford's popularity waxed and waned over time. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, the number of babies named Guilford began to decline, dropping as low as five births in some years (1933 and 1961).
Despite these fluctuations, it's fascinating to note that even during periods of lower popularity, there were consistently a few Guilfords being born each year. This persistence is a testament to the enduring appeal of this name for some families.
Moreover, the total number of births with the name Guilford over this period amounts to 589. This figure demonstrates that while Guilford may not have been a common name, it has indeed left its mark on American naming history and has been chosen by parents for their children across multiple generations.
In conclusion, the statistics show that Guilford has maintained a steady, if modest, presence among American baby names since 1885. Its peaks and troughs in popularity reflect broader trends in naming practices, yet it remains a distinctive choice that has resonated with many families over time.