Hartford, an uncommon yet distinguished given name, is of English origin and has a rich historical significance. It is derived from the city of Hartford, Connecticut, which was named after the Old English words 'harth' meaning 'hart' or stag, and 'ford' meaning river crossing. The name Hartford was popularized in the United States during the colonial era due to the influence of this historic city. It has been traditionally given more frequently to males but can also be used as a female name.
"Hartford's birth rates have fluctuated over time. The highest peak was seen in the years 1924 and 1964 with 20 and 13 births respectively, while periods from 1890 to 1931 and 1973 onwards saw consistently lower numbers."