All about the name

Guilford

Male

« Guilford is an uncommon English male given name derived from Old English surnames, meaning "powerful ford. »

#6918 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Guilford since 1880

Total births
589
Total since 1880
Peak year
1923
22 births
in 1973
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years