Milford is an unusual and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "mil" meaning mill, and "ford" referring to a shallow crossing point in a river or stream. Therefore, Milford literally translates to "mill ford".
The name Milford has been predominantly used as a surname throughout history, with some notable figures bearing this last name including Sir Henry Milford, an English diplomat during the 17th century, and John Milford, a colonial governor of Connecticut in the early 18th century.
However, there are instances where Milford was utilized as a given name. One notable example is Milford Haven, the birthplace of King Henry VII of England, which gave rise to the Tudor dynasty. It is believed that this location inspired some parents to bestow their sons with the unique name Milford.
In literature and popular culture, Milford has been used in various contexts, such as in the works of American author John Updike, who featured a character named Milford Cost stock in his novel "The Centaur". Additionally, Milford is the name of a town in Ohio that serves as the backdrop for the popular television series "M*A*S*H".
Despite its rarity, the name Milford carries an air of antiquity and historical significance due to its Old English origins and notable bearers throughout history. Its unique sound and meaning make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Milford experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. It peaked between 1915 and 1925 with over 200 births per year, reaching a high of 234 births in 1921. However, from the late 1920s onwards, its popularity steadily declined, dropping to as low as 6 births in certain years between 1988 and 2023. Overall, there were a total of 8198 births named Milford from 1880 to 2023.