Buford is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It was traditionally used as a surname before evolving into a first name in the late 19th century. The surname Buford is believed to have derived from an Old English personal name, "Buffeorth," which consists of the elements "bufe" meaning "bald" and "beorht" meaning "bright." Therefore, the name may be interpreted as "the bright or shining bald man."
The first recorded use of Buford as a given name was in 1874, when it was bestowed upon a character in Thomas Nelson Page's novel "Marse Chan: A Tale of Old Virginia." However, its usage as a first name did not become widespread until the mid-20th century. Today, Buford remains relatively rare, but it is still used occasionally.
One notable figure with the given name Buford was John Buford (1826-1863), a Union general during the American Civil War. He played a significant role in the Battle of Gettysburg and was praised for his strategic leadership and bravery on the battlefield. His legacy has likely contributed to the enduring use of the name Buford among some families.
In pop culture, the name Buford has appeared occasionally, such as in the animated television series "The Cleveland Show," where it is the given name of a recurring character named Buford Van Stomm. However, these appearances have not significantly impacted the overall usage or popularity of the name.
Overall, Buford is an uncommon yet historically significant given name with American roots and an intriguing etymology. Its meaning, "the bright bald man," offers an interesting perspective on this distinctive moniker.
The name Buford has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1908 and 1952, there were a total of 110 babies named Buford born across the country.
The most popular year for the name was 1926, with a total of 10 births recorded that year. This spike in popularity was followed by a decline, however, as only five babies were named Buford in both 1927 and 1952.
Throughout this period, there were several years where the name was not particularly popular, with just five or fewer babies being named Buford each year. These years include: 1908, 1910, 1913, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1920, and 1940.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, the name Buford has maintained a steady presence in the United States over the course of nearly five decades. This demonstrates that while it may not have been among the most popular names during this time period, it still held significance for many families choosing a name for their child.