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Stafford

Pronunciation: [ st-AF-erd ]

Boy Name #6,386 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An old English name with aristocratic gravitas

English American
Classic Strong Traditional Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"ford near a landing stage or wharf"
Origin: Old English
Language: English

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.

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

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

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

Sibling Names

Reginald Crawford Bradford Elliot Cecily Constance Harriet

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Similar Names

Clifford Crawford Bradford Redford

Compare Stafford with...

Stafford vs Clifford Stafford vs Crawford Stafford vs Bradford Stafford vs Redford

Same Origin Names (English)

Liam #1 Olivia #1 Noah #2 Emma #2 Oliver #3 Amelia #3 Theodore #4 Charlotte #4

Playground Safety

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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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