Beaufort is a unique and distinctive male given name of French origin. Its etymology can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was used as a surname first.
The name Beaufort is derived from the Old French words "beau" meaning "beautiful", and "fort" meaning "strong". Therefore, the name Beaufort translates to "beautiful and strong".
Historically, the surname Beaufort was borne by an influential family in medieval France. The House of Beaufort was a noble family that rose to prominence during the Hundred Years' War with England. One notable member of this family was John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford, who played a significant role in the war and was known for his military prowess.
Over time, the name Beaufort has transitioned from a surname to a given name. Today, it is still relatively rare but can be found in various countries around the world. Despite its rarity, Beaufort carries a strong and unique historical background that sets it apart from many other names.
The name Beaufort saw a notable peak in usage during the early 20th century, with seven babies named Beaufort in both 1918 and 1921. The popularity of the name began to decline after this period, with six births recorded in 1927 and 1931, followed by five births in 1932 and a significant drop-off until 1976 when there were again five Beaufort babies born. In total, over the span of these years, there were thirty-six children named Beaufort.