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

Popularity of Ford by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ford is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Ford being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 564 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ford.

The history of the first name Ford

The name Ford is an English given name derived from the Old English word "ford," which means a shallow river crossing. It originated as a topographic surname, indicating someone who lived near a ford or river crossing.

Ford is believed to have first been used as a given name in the Middle Ages, particularly in England and parts of Scotland. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in medieval English records and documents.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Ford was Ford Madox Brown, an English painter and designer born in 1821. He was a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists known for their distinctive style and attention to detail.

Another famous bearer of the name was Ford Madox Ford, an English novelist, poet, and critic born in 1873. He was a leading figure in the English literary world of the early 20th century and is best known for his novels, including "The Good Soldier" and the tetralogy "Parade's End."

In the realm of sports, Ford Frick, an American baseball executive born in 1894, left a lasting impact. He served as the Commissioner of Baseball from 1951 to 1965 and was instrumental in several key decisions that shaped the game during his tenure.

The name Ford has also been associated with the automotive industry, thanks to Henry Ford, the American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company. Born in 1863, he revolutionized mass production techniques and played a pivotal role in the development of the modern automobile industry.

Another notable figure with the name Ford was Ford Rainey, an American actor and director born in 1908. He had a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films and television shows throughout the mid-20th century.

While the name Ford has its roots in Old English and was originally a topographic surname, it has since gained popularity as a given name in its own right, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its association with prominent historical figures and industries has contributed to its enduring appeal and recognition.

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 Ford was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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