Hansford is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "haest" meaning "hasty" or "quick," and "ford" which refers to a shallow place where a river can be crossed by wading or fording. Therefore, the name Hansford literally means "hasty river crossing."
The name Hansford has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was typically used as a surname before becoming more common as a given name in recent times. The earliest known record of the name is from the early 13th century, where it appeared as "Hastfrd" in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, a census taken by King Edward I.
Hansford was initially associated with families who lived near rivers or were involved in activities related to river crossings. Over time, the name has evolved and been passed down through generations, becoming more widespread as people moved around and intermarried.
Today, Hansford remains a rare but intriguing given name. Its unique origin and history make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Despite its rarity, the name Hansford has no specific cultural or regional associations and can be used by families of any background who appreciate its meaning and history.
The name Hansford has a fascinating history of usage in the United States over the years. According to the data provided, the name first appeared in the records with six births in 1882. After that, there was a gap until it resurfaced in 1908 with five births.
Interestingly, the number of babies named Hansford fluctuated quite a bit over the next few decades. For instance, from 1909 to 1915, there were at least seven births each year, peaking at 22 births in 1917. However, this high was not maintained, and the number of babies named Hansford began to decline steadily.
In the following years, from 1918 to 1934, the annual births ranged between six and eighteen, with a notable spike in 1927. After that, the numbers started to decrease again, going as low as five births in some years (1951, 1958, 1960, and 1971).
It's worth noting that even during periods of lower usage, the name Hansford was still given to babies each year. This suggests that while it may not have been a highly popular choice, some families consistently opted for this name.
In total, based on the data provided, there were 587 babies named Hansford in the United States over the years covered by these statistics. This demonstrates that while not extremely common, the name Hansford has had a consistent presence among American baby names throughout history.