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Home › Baby Names Directory › Fordham

Fordham

♂ Boy

Pronounced FORD-um /ˈfɔɹd.əm/Medium

Meaning: Fordham is an English place name and surname meaning 'homestead (or water-meadow) by the ford,' from Old English ford + ham ('homestead'). It also names a New York university.Medium

In 30 seconds: A place-and-surname name: Fordham means 'homestead by the ford' (said 'FORD-um'). Sturdy and distinctive.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningFordham is an English place name and surname meaning 'homestead (or water-meadow) by the ford,' from Old English ford + ham ('homestead'). It also names a New York university.
U.S. rank (2024)#11330 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 67

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202020152024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Fordham is an English place name and surname, 'homestead by the ford' (Old English ford + ham). Familiar too as a New York university name, it reads as a sturdy, distinctive surname-style pick (said 'FORD-um').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for boys. Rare, sturdy, and surname-style.

Did you know? Fordham means 'homestead by the ford' (Old English ford + ham) — an English place name and surname, also the name of a New York university, giving it a scholarly, sturdy ring (said 'FORD-um').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Fordham — English place name/surname, 'homestead by the ford'

Variations

FordFordamFordhamm

Nicknames

FordHam

Famous Bearers

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If you like Fordham…

Ford— the root inside Fordham
Holden— a like sturdy surname name
Weston— a like place-style pick
Camden— a like modern surname choice

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By themeenglishplace-namesurnamesturdy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Fordham mean?

Fordham is an English place name and surname meaning 'homestead by the ford.'

How do you pronounce Fordham?

It's said FORD-um /ˈfɔɹd.əm/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Fordham a boy or girl name?

Fordham is used mainly as a boy's name.

How popular is Fordham?

Fordham is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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