Wilford is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wil-ford," which means "willow ford." This name has a rich historical background and has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history.
The name Wilford first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a surname for people who lived near willow trees or in areas where there were many willows. Over time, Wilford evolved from being primarily a surname to also being used as a given name.
Wilford has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898), who served as the fourth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1889 until his death in 1898. Another notable figure with the name Wilford is Wilford Brimley (1934-2020), an American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Firm" and "Cocoon."
Despite its historical significance, Wilford remains a relatively uncommon given name today. However, it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical meaning. Overall, Wilford is a distinctive and meaningful name with deep roots in English history.
The name Wilford experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike during World War I (1914-1918), reaching its peak with 271 births in 1918. Prior to this, the name had maintained a steady average of around 15-30 births per year from 1880 to 1913. However, after World War I, popularity decreased dramatically, with fewer than 50 births recorded annually between 1924 and 1976. Since then, the name Wilford has become quite rare, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1977 to present day (2023), reaching as low as 5 births in certain years.