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Home › Baby Names Directory › Radford

Radford

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAD-furd /ˈræd.fərd/Medium

Meaning: From the English place name and surname Radford, 'red ford' or 'reedy ford' (Old English read, 'red,' or hreod, 'reed,' plus ford). A sturdy surname-name.Low

In 30 seconds: A sturdy surname-name: Radford means 'red ford' (said 'RAD-furd'). Solid and English-rooted.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningFrom the English place name and surname Radford, 'red ford' or 'reedy ford' (Old English read, 'red,' or hreod, 'reed,' plus ford). A sturdy surname-name.
U.S. rank (2023)#11915 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1935
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,198

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193518852023

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

Radford comes from an English place name and surname, 'red ford' or 'reedy ford' (Old English plus ford, 'river crossing'). As a given name it reads sturdy and English-rooted, which we note — uncommon in the U.S. (said 'RAD-furd').

It appears only rarely for boys as a first name in the U.S. Rare, sturdy, and surname-style.

Did you know? Radford is an English place name and surname meaning 'red ford' (or 'reedy ford') — a crossing-place name now used as a solid first name (said 'RAD-furd').
Overall data confidence 52%
References — Radford — English place/surname Radford, 'red ford'

Variations

RadferdRedfordRadfurd

Nicknames

RadFord

Famous Bearers

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If you like Radford…

Redford— a like -ford surname name
Bradford— a like -ford place name
Clifford— a like -ford classic
Stafford— a like sturdy -ford name

Explore names like Radford

By themeenglishplace-namesurnamesturdy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Radford mean?

Radford is an English place name and surname meaning 'red ford' (or 'reedy ford').

How do you pronounce Radford?

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

Is Radford a boy or girl name?

Radford is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Radford?

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

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