Find out how popular the first name Buford has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Buford by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Buford is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Buford.

The history of the first name Buford

The given name Buford traces its origins back to an Old English word "burg-ford," which translates to a fort by a town or a fortified ford. The name is believed to have originated in Anglo-Saxon England during the late 9th century.

The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where a person named Burford is listed as a landowner in Wiltshire, England. The name was likely a toponymic surname derived from various place names in England, such as Burford in Oxfordshire or Burfords in Shropshire.

In the Middle Ages, the name Buford was often associated with minor nobility or landowners who held properties near fortified towns or fords. Some notable historical figures bearing this name include Buford de Calne, a 13th-century knight from Wiltshire mentioned in the Calne Cartulary, and Buford de Ramsbury, a 14th-century landowner from Berkshire referenced in the Ramsbury Manorial Records.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Buford was John Buford (1826-1863), a highly respected cavalry officer in the American Civil War. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Gettysburg, where his forward-thinking actions helped secure a defensive position for the Union forces.

Another notable Buford was Napoleon Buford (1807-1883), an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois and later as a member of the Confederate Congress during the Civil War.

In the world of literature, Buford Pusser (1937-1974) was a famous American sheriff whose life and exploits inspired the popular movie "Walking Tall" and its subsequent sequels.

William Buford (1891-1983), an American basketball player, coach, and Olympic gold medalist, was also a prominent figure in the early days of the sport.

Throughout history, the name Buford has been borne by individuals from various backgrounds, often associated with military service, politics, law enforcement, and athletics.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Buford was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Buford, please contact us.

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