Buford is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are rooted in the Middle Ages.
The name Buford can be traced back to an Old English word, "bufan" which means "to puff out". This name was originally used as a surname for someone who had a prominent stomach or who was overweight. The "ford" part of the name comes from the Middle English word "ford", meaning "shallow place where people cross a river".
In medieval times, surnames were often given to individuals based on their physical characteristics or occupations. Therefore, it is believed that the surname Buford originated as a nickname for someone who was physically large and robust.
Over time, the name evolved from a surname into a given name. Today, Buford is still relatively rare but can be found in some English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada.
In literature, one of the most notable characters named Buford is Buford T. Pusser, a former sheriff who inspired the 1976 film "Walking Tall". However, this character's name does not reflect the original meaning and history of the name Buford.
In conclusion, Buford is an uncommon English given name with a unique history rooted in medieval times. Its meaning reflects its origins as a nickname for someone who was physically large. While it may not be one of the most popular names today, it has a distinctiveness that sets it apart from many other names.
The name Bufard is not particularly popular or common in the United States, with only six babies being given this name each year on average since its first appearance in the Social Security Administration's records in 1925. Despite its rarity, Bufard has maintained a consistent presence in the US naming landscape over the decades, with no notable spikes or drops in usage throughout the years. As of now, there are approximately 300 individuals named Bufard living in the United States today, making up an incredibly small fraction of the total population.