"ford near a landing stage or wharf"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Stafford
Pronunciation: [ st-AF-erd ]
Does Stafford flow with your last name?
An old English name with aristocratic gravitas
English
American
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Sophisticated
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The Story of Stafford
Stafford is an Old English place name and surname meaning ford at a landing stage, from staeth (landing stage, wharf) and ford (shallow river crossing). The town of Stafford in Staffordshire, England gave rise to this surname, which was used as a given name in the aristocratic tradition of using prestigious family surnames as first names. Staffordshire was named after the town, and the county gave its name to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Stafford as a given name was most popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It carries the air of old English gentry and was favored by families wishing to evoke heritage and tradition. The name has declined in modern usage but retains a distinguished feel.
The Stafford family was one of the great noble houses of medieval England — the Earls and later Dukes of Buckingham traced their lineage through the Staffords. The name thus carries connotations of English aristocratic heritage and history.
Historical Record
Stafford first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,681 babies have been named Stafford in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Stafford is past its peak , currently ranked #6,386 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Staffordshire is one of England's historic counties and home to the famous Staffordshire hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure
- The Stafford knot is a traditional heraldic symbol used as the symbol of Staffordshire county
Stafford in Other Languages
French
Stafford
German
Stafford
Spanish
Stafford
Popularity Over Time
#6,386
Current Rank
Peaked 1959
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Stafford
J
Jo Stafford
Musician
1917
American singer who was one of the most popular recording artists of the 1940s and 1950s
H
Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham
Royalty
1455
English nobleman and key figure in the Wars of the Roses and the rise of Richard III
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Compare Stafford with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,386
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Staff
Staffie
Ford
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Stafford
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Scottish English origin
"son of Copen (geographic surname)"
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Cornish/Welsh origin
"large homestead, big village"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stafford
What does the name Stafford mean?
"ford near a landing stage or wharf" (from Old English). Stafford is an Old English place name and surname meaning ford at a landing stage, from staeth (landing stage, wharf) and ford (shallow river crossing). The town of Stafford in Staffordshire, England gave rise to this surname, which was used as a given name in the aristocratic tradition of using prestigious family surnames as first names. Staffordshire was named after the town, and the county gave its name to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
What is the origin of the name Stafford?
Stafford has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "ford near a landing stage or wharf".
Is Stafford a boy or girl name?
Stafford is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Stafford?
Stafford is pronounced st-AF-erd.
How popular is the name Stafford?
Stafford is currently ranked #6386 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Stafford?
Common nicknames for Stafford include Staff, Staffie, and Ford.
What are good middle names for Stafford?
Popular middle name pairings include Stafford James, Stafford Henry, Stafford William, Stafford Charles, Stafford Edward, Stafford Thomas, and Stafford Elliot.
What are good sibling names for Stafford?
Names that pair well with Stafford as siblings include Reginald, Crawford, Bradford, Elliot, Cecily, Constance, and Harriet.
How many syllables does Stafford have?
Stafford has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Stafford a common or rare name?
Stafford is an uncommon name, ranked #6386 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Stafford
Stafford is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "ford near a landing stage or wharf" in Old English .
Stafford is currently ranked #6,386 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Stafford has 2 syllables and is pronounced st-AF-erd, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Stafford include Staff, Staffie, and Ford. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis