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Alford Boy

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationAL-ford / /ˈæl.fɔrd/

Old English; Anglo-Saxon

Meaning

Old English: 'ford by the elder tree'; Anglo-Saxon: 'river crossing'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alford has its roots in Old English, deriving from the elements "aelf," meaning "elf," and "ford," meaning "river crossing." This etymological combination suggests a geographical or topographical significance, likely referring to a river crossing associated with mythical or supernatural beings. The name evolved through various forms, appearing as "Aelford" in early medieval records before being anglicized to Alford in the later Middle Ages. The transition into English reflects the linguistic shifts that occurred following the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which influenced the development of English place names and surnames.

Historically, the name Alford is associated with several notable locations in England, including a village in Lincolnshire and a town in Somerset, both of which contributed to the surname's spread. The name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its presence in England during the Norman period. Additionally, the name has been borne by various individuals throughout history, including members of the English gentry and notable figures in local governance, which further solidified its standing in English heritage.

Culturally, Alford carries connotations of strength and stability, likely due to its association with natural features like rivers, which have historically been vital for settlement and trade. The name has also been linked to various traditions and folklore surrounding elves in Anglo-Saxon culture, enhancing its mystical resonance. While diminutive forms such as Alf may exist, the name Alford itself has maintained a distinct identity over the centuries, reflecting both its linguistic origins and its historical significance in English culture.

Trend Summary

The name Alford has seen limited popularity in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Alfie
  • Alforde

International Variants

Famous people named Alford

Alford T. D. is a composer best known for his work in film and television scoring.

Alford J. is a renowned author best known for his contributions to contemporary literature.

Fictional characters named Alford

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alford was first seen in the United States in 1880. Alford has ranked as high as #784 nationally, which occurred in 1930, and has been most popular in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. In the past 5 years the name Alford has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alford (1966)

StateBirthsShare
NC 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188014
188117
188216
188313
188417
188511
188617
18879
188815
188910
189016
189110
189220
189310
189410
18957
18967
189716
189812
189919
190022
19019
190217
190321
190410
190517
190616
190716
190829
190914
191018
191130
191240
191341
191445
191572
191668
191772
191862
191990
192083
192187
192286
192393
192485
1925101
192686
192789
192894
192993
1930106
193171
193276
193366
193484
193583
193689
193776
193868
193959
194069
194172
194287
194374
194468
194555
194669
194755
194869
194979
195064
195160
195267
195373
195478
195568
195655
195742
195839
195954
196049
196145
196234
196334
196443
196526
196634
196732
196826
196921
197034
197120
197226
197332
197419
197529
197611
197721
197818
197915
198024
198126
198215
198316
198421
198513
198612
198711
198814
19899
19908
199116
199210
19938
199411
19956
19965
19978
19999
20005
20015
20027
20055
20175
20195