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Ward
Pronounced WARD /ΛwΙrd/High
Meaning: Guardian, watchman; from Old English weard, the keeper of the watchHigh
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Ward comes from Old English weard, 'guard, watchman' β the sentry whose duty survives in warden, wardrobe, and the wards of castles and hospitals. As a surname it marked watchmen's descendants; as a first name it had a respectable American run through the early twentieth century.
Ward Cleaver fixed its fatherly image; artist-azalea-and-confederate-general Wards of the nineteenth century preceded him. Today it is rare β a single sturdy syllable in the Hank-and-Walt revival lane.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- β
Ward Bond (1903-1960)American film and television actor known for Wagon Train
- β
Ward Cunningham (1949-)American computer programmer who invented the wiki
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Ward mean?
Ward comes from Old English weard and means 'guardian' or 'watchman'.
How do you pronounce Ward?
It's said WARD /ΛwΙrd/ β a single syllable.
Is Ward a boy or girl name?
Ward is a boy's name.
How popular is Ward?
Ward is a rare vintage name in the U.S. today.