Ford is an English surname and given name of Old English origin. It is derived from the word "ford", which means a shallow place where a river can be crossed by wading or using a vehicle. The name was originally given to people who lived near such a location.
The surname Ford has a long history in England, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in various locations across the country, including Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire. Some of the earliest recorded bearers of the surname include Richard de la Furd, who was listed in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire in 1219, and Thomas del Ford, who was recorded in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk in 1273.
The given name Ford is a more recent addition to the repertoire of English names. It gained popularity in the latter half of the twentieth century, possibly due to its association with the American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Today, Ford is still considered a masculine given name but has also been used for girls in some cases.
In terms of popularity, Ford is not a particularly common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never cracked the top 1,000 most popular boy's names since records began in 1880. However, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name with a strong and historic meaning.
Overall, Ford is an English surname and given name with a rich history dating back centuries. With its meaning derived from the Old English word for a river crossing, it carries a sense of strength and practicality that has endured through generations. Despite not being particularly popular today, Ford remains a notable choice for parents seeking a name with a unique and meaningful origin story.
The name Ford has been a steady presence among baby names in the United States over the past few years. In 2015, there were 5 newborns given the name Ford. The number of babies named Ford then increased slightly to 6 in both 2018 and 2019.
Over this three-year period from 2015 to 2019, a total of 17 babies were named Ford in the United States. This consistent usage indicates that Ford remains a popular choice among parents for their sons' names.