Raeford is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "ræf" meaning "counsel" or "advice", and "ford" which signifies a shallow place in a river where people could cross by wading or driving cattle across. Therefore, the name Raeford can be interpreted as "shallow river ford with counsel".
The name Raeford is not particularly common, but it has been used in England for centuries. It is believed to have originated from a place called Raeford in Northumberland, England. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was commissioned by William the Conqueror and provides a detailed survey of England at that time.
Over the years, the name Raeford has been spelled in various ways due to differences in spelling and pronunciation. Some variations of the name include Rafehard, Raford, Reaford, and Ruford.
Today, Raeford is still a rare name, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique history and meaning. It is often chosen for its distinctive sound and its connection to English history and culture.
The given statistics illustrate the number of births with the name Raeford in the United States annually from 1914 to 1983. The highest number of births occurred in 1924, with a total of 18 babies named Raeford that year. Conversely, some years saw only one or two babies named Raeford. For example, there was only one birth with the name Raeford in 1963 and 1973.
Overall, between 1914 and 1983, there were a total of 613 births with the name Raeford across the United States. This data provides insight into the popularity and consistency of this particular name over time.