Everything about the name MILFORD
Meaning, origin, history
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.
See also
Popularity of the name MILFORD since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The statistics provided show the annual birth count of babies named Milford in the United States between 1880 and 2023. Over this period, there were a total of 8198 births.
The name Milford gained popularity during the late 19th to early 20th century, with the highest number of births occurring in 1917, where 230 babies were named Milford. This trend continued throughout the early to mid-20th century, with the birth count remaining consistently above 100 until around the 1950s.
However, from the late 1950s onwards, there was a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Milford, with fewer than 67 births per year recorded between 1954 and 1982. This trend continued into the 1990s and early 2000s, with only six births reported in each of those decades.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Milford, with six births recorded in both 2000 and 2023. Despite this, it remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak in the early 20th century.
Overall, while Milford was once a popular baby boy's name in the United States, its popularity has waned over time, although there are still occasional instances of its use today.