Redford is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from an English surname that was borne by a notable family in Northumberland, England, who were known as the Redfords. The surname is believed to have originated from the Old English word "red" meaning "red," and "ford" which means "ford." Therefore, the name Redford could be interpreted as "red ford" or "ford by the red river."
The first recorded use of the given name Redford was in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is not clear why or how this name came into being, but it is possible that it was coined as a novel and unique given name inspired by the surname.
Redford is a relatively rare name, even within the United States where it originated. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a few dozen babies have been named Redford each year since its first appearance in the records in 1945.
Despite its rarity, the name Redford has gained some notable recognition due to actor Robert Redford, who was born Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936. He adopted his middle name as his stage name and became one of Hollywood's most prominent actors and filmmakers throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
In conclusion, Redford is a unique given name of American origin that is derived from an English surname meaning "red ford." While it is not clear how or why this name came into being as a given name, its rarity and distinctive sound have made it a memorable choice for some parents looking for an unusual name for their child.
The name Redford has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 186 births recorded since 1913. The earliest records show that there were five babies named Redford in both 1913 and 1931. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that the name began to gain more traction.
In the year 2008, there were seven births with the name Redford, marking a significant increase from previous decades. This trend continued into the early 21st century, with five births in both 2009 and 2011, followed by six births in 2012.
The most notable surge in popularity for the name Redford occurred between 2013 and 2022. During this period, there were ten births in 2013, which then doubled to twenty births in 2017. This high point was followed by eight births in 2018, indicating a slight decrease in popularity.
However, the name Redford experienced another resurgence between 2019 and 2022. There were fourteen births in 2019, seventeen births in both 2020 and 2021, and finally eleven births recorded in 2023. This recent trend suggests that the name Redford continues to be a popular choice among parents in the United States.
In conclusion, while the name Redford has not consistently been one of the most common names over the years, it has experienced periods of notable popularity, particularly during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. With a total of 186 births recorded since 1913, the name Redford remains an enduring choice for parents seeking a distinctive and memorable name for their child.