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Oxford
Pronounced OKS-ferd /ˈɑks.fərd/High
Meaning: From the English place-name Oxford — from the Old English oxa, 'ox', + ford, 'a river crossing', hence 'a ford where oxen cross'Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Oxford comes from the English place-name Oxford — from the Old English oxa, 'ox', + ford, 'a river crossing', hence 'a ford where oxen cross'. A bold, distinctive name (said 'OKS-ferd').
In the U.S. it appears very rarely as a place/surname name. Rare, a-ford-where-oxen-cross at the root, and bold.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Oxford mean?
Oxford is an English place-name — 'a ford where oxen cross' (oxa + ford).
How do you pronounce Oxford?
It's said OKS-ferd /ˈɑks.fərd/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Oxford a boy or girl name?
Oxford is a boy's name.
How popular is Oxford?
Oxford is a very rare name in the U.S.