Manford is an uncommon, yet distinctively masculine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Manna, which itself evolves from the Old Norse word 'mann', meaning 'man'. This suggests that Manford carries a strong and traditional sense of masculinity. The name has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in countries where Anglo-Saxon or Scandinavian influences are prominent, such as England, Scotland, and Norway. However, it remains relatively rare, which may appeal to those seeking a unique name for their child. Spelling variations of Manford include Mannord and Manfird, though the most common form is Manford itself.
The name Manford experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year. However, there was a notable increase around World War I, with peaks of 31 births in 1914, 44 births in 1915, and over 40 births annually until 1922. After that, the popularity decreased significantly, with fewer than 10 births per year for most years between 1927 and 1982. Overall, there were a total of 1479 Manfords born over these years.