Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Buford is of Old French origin, meaning 'beautiful fort'. It evolved from historical forms like Boford to its current version. The name conveys strength and beauty, lacking any significant biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century in the United States and is currently seen as traditional.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbjuːfərd/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Buford is derived from the Old French elements 'beu' meaning 'beautiful' and 'fort' meaning 'strong' or 'fortified'.
Meaning
beautiful fort
Language Evolution
Boford, Buford
Historical Usage
The name Buford gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly as a surname before being adopted as a first name.
Variants & Derivatives
Bueford, Bufford
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Buford is perceived as a traditional and somewhat rustic name, often associated with strength and durability.
Famous People
Buford Pusser - a famous American sheriff and lawman, Buford T. Justice - a fictional character played by Jackie Gleason in the Smokey and the Bandit films
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 334 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 21 US states, with strongest presence in Tennessee
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 363rd of 7545 | 4,280 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 425th of 6773 | 3,455 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 732nd of 7552 | 1,896 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1323rd of 10718 | 661 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3525th of 16616 | 242 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 12085th of 24088 | 56 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4121st of 9107 | 87 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6926th of 9204 | 18 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
34.11% 483rd/1416 |
- |
9.26% 219th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
39.13% 605th/1546 |
- |
11.86% 279th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
48.45% 1079th/2227 |
- |
18.51% 528th/2853 |
49.15% 1364th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
- |
29.14% 1025th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
59.30% 3080th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Tennessee across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 363rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 425th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 732nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1323rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3525th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 12085th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20190th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4121st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6926th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.