Radford

What does the baby name Radford mean? Learn about what Radford means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Radford - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Radford
R-A-D-F-O-R-D, is a 7-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Radford
RAD-fərd
RAD ford
Meaning of Radford
From the red ford, red colored ford, red ford, ford with reeds.
Origin of Radford
The name 'Radford' is a surname of English origin, with its earliest known use dating back to the 12th century. As a surname, 'Radford' was originally used to identify individuals who hailed from a place called 'Radford', which is derived from the Old English words 'read' meaning 'red' and 'ford' meaning 'ford'. This suggests that 'Radford' referred to a place where a river or stream could be crossed that had a reddish appearance, possibly due to the presence of iron oxide in the water.
American Names
English Names
Old English Names
Place Names
Surname Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Radford
Radferd
Radfurd
Redford
Popularity of Radford
Over time, the popularity of the name 'Radford' has fluctuated. While it has never been a widely popular given name, it has maintained a steady presence. In recent years, there has been a slight increase in the usage of the name, potentially due to the trend of using surnames as first names. However, it is important to note that 'Radford' is still considered a relatively uncommon name.
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Etymology of Radford

The etymology of the name 'Radford' can be traced back to its Old English roots. The word 'read' in Old English referred to the color red, which was often associated with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The word 'ford' indicated a shallow place in a river or stream where it could be crossed. Therefore, the name 'Radford' can be interpreted as 'red ford' or 'ford of the red-haired one.'

Cultural Significance of Radford

While 'Radford' does not have a significant cultural association, it is worth noting that surnames often carry a sense of heritage and lineage. The name 'Radford' may hold special significance for individuals who can trace their ancestry back to the 'Radford' region in England or have a familial connection to someone with the surname 'Radford'. In this way, the name can serve as a link to one's roots and heritage.