Bufford is an uncommon yet distinct given name of American origin. It was brought to prominence during the mid-19th century, likely derived from the surname Bufford, which is believed to be an altered form of the English place name 'Burford'. The name Burford itself is derived from the Old English words 'burh', meaning 'fort' or 'stronghold', and 'ford', indicating a shallow river crossing. Thus, Bufford can be interpreted as having origins in place names and early English history. Despite its unique sound, Bufford has not gained widespread popularity over time, perhaps due to its pronunciation challenges. It is typically associated with males, though it can theoretically be used for females as well. Today, Bufford remains a rare find among given names, offering those who bear it a distinctive identity.
The name Bufford peaked in popularity between 1925 and 1936, with an average of about 14 births per year during this period. However, it seems that by the late 1950s and early 1960s, the name was scarcely used, with only a handful of births each year. Overall, there were 507 recorded births with the name Bufford over the course of these years.