Crawford is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Crawford," which was originally an occupational name for a cartwright or wagon maker. The name is believed to have originated in the county of Ayrshire, Scotland.
The meaning of Crawford is associated with the elements that make up the name. "Craw" is thought to come from the Gaelic word "creag," which means "rock." While "ford" comes from the Old English word "ford," meaning "shallow place where a river can be crossed on foot." Therefore, the name Crawford could be interpreted as meaning "ford by the rocky area."
The history of the name Crawford can be traced back to the medieval period in Scotland. It was originally a surname and one of the most numerous and widely spread surnames in Scotland. Over time, it has evolved into a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Some notable individuals with the name Crawford include American actor Mark Crawford, Canadian politician Arthur Meighen Crawford, and Australian rules footballer Nathan Crawford. However, despite its unique sound and Scottish heritage, Crawford remains relatively rare as a given name compared to more popular names like John or Michael.
In conclusion, Crawford is an unusual and interesting male given name with Scottish origins. Its meaning is derived from the elements that make up the name, relating to rocks and fordable places. With a rich history and notable bearers, Crawford is a name that stands out among other given names while still maintaining its connection to its Scottish roots.
The name Crawford experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks and valleys from the late 19th to the early 21st century. The highest number of births was recorded in 1917 with 84 babies named Crawford, while the lowest was in 1964 with only 21 births. The name's popularity began to decline notably after the mid-20th century, with fewer than 30 births per year since 1959 and consistently below 20 births from 1978 onwards. In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence, with over 50 Crawford births recorded in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2022. Overall, a total of 4588 babies were named Crawford from 1880 to 2023.