Redford is an intriguing and distinctive given name of American origin. Derived from Old English elements 'hred' meaning 'guard' or 'protection', and 'ford' signifying a shallow river crossing, Redford literally translates to 'protected river crossing'. This name is often associated with the renowned American actor Robert Redford, who was born with the full name Charles Robert Redford Jr., but chose to use his middle name as his stage name. Despite its unique sound and interesting etymology, Redford remains relatively rare, perhaps due to its unconventional nature. Those bearing this name may appreciate its distinctiveness and its connection to the natural world through its etymological roots.
The name Redford has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike in recent times. From 1913 to 2008, there were fewer than 10 births per year on average. However, since 2008, there has been a consistent rise in the number of births each year, reaching as high as 20 births in 2017 and 17 births in both 2020 and 2022. This trend indicates that the name Redford is currently gaining traction among parents.