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Home › Baby Names Directory › Milford

Milford

♂ Boy

Pronounced MIL-furd /ˈmɪl.fərd/Medium

Meaning: An English surname and place name from the Old English 'myln' ('mill') plus 'ford' ('river crossing') — 'ford by the mill.' Carried into given-name use in the early 20th century.Low

In 30 seconds: A sturdy place-name: Milford means 'ford by the mill' (English), said 'MIL-furd.' Early-century and solid.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningAn English surname and place name from the Old English 'myln' ('mill') plus 'ford' ('river crossing') — 'ford by the mill.' Carried into given-name use in the early 20th century.
U.S. rank (2023)#11778 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,198

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192518802023

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

Milford is an English surname and place name, from 'myln' ('mill') plus 'ford' ('river crossing') — 'ford by the mill.' Adopted as a given name in the early 20th century, it peaked in 1921 and faded thereafter (said 'MIL-furd').

Milford belonged to the early-century generation and is rare today. Rare, solid, and vintage.

Did you know? Milford, the English 'ford by the mill,' peaked around 1921 as a first name and has faded to rarity since.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Milford — English place/surname; 'ford by the mill'

Variations

MillfordMilfred

Nicknames

MilFord

Famous Bearers

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If you like Milford…

Clifford— a like -ford surname name
Wilford— a like early-century pick
Radford— a like -ford place name
Millard— a similarly popular pick
Mallard— a fellow English choice

Explore names like Milford

By themeenglishvintagesurname1920s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Milford mean?

Milford is an English surname and place name meaning 'ford by the mill.'

How do you pronounce Milford?

It's said MIL-furd /ˈmɪl.fərd/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Milford a boy or girl name?

Milford is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Milford?

Milford peaked in the early twenties and is very rare today.

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