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

Popularity of Rockford by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rockford.

The history of the first name Rockford

The given name Rockford has its origins in the Middle English language, derived from the Old English words "rocc" meaning rock or boulder, and "ford" meaning a shallow place where a river can be crossed. This combination suggests that the name was initially used to refer to someone who lived near a rocky river crossing or ford.

During the Anglo-Saxon era in Britain, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th centuries, the name Rockford was likely used as a descriptive term or a surname to identify individuals residing in such locations. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086.

As a given name, Rockford gained popularity in the 12th and 13th centuries, particularly in the regions of Northumbria and East Anglia. It was often associated with individuals involved in agriculture, mining, or other occupations related to the land and natural resources.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Rockford was Sir Rockford de Burgh, a 13th-century knight and landowner from Lincolnshire, England. He played a significant role in the Second Barons' War against King Henry III in the mid-1200s.

Another historically significant bearer of the name was Rockford the Bald, a 9th-century monk and scholar from the Kingdom of Mercia. He was renowned for his contributions to the preservation of ancient manuscripts and the promotion of education in monastic communities.

In the 15th century, Rockford Wycliffe, a prominent English scholar and reformer, gained recognition for his efforts to translate the Bible into the vernacular English language. His work paved the way for the eventual widespread distribution of the Bible among the common people.

During the Tudor period, Rockford Raleigh, a courtier and explorer, accompanied Sir Walter Raleigh on several expeditions to the Americas. He is believed to have played a crucial role in establishing the first English settlement on Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina.

Another noteworthy figure was Rockford Cromwell, a 17th-century Puritan soldier and statesman who served as a general in the English Civil War under Oliver Cromwell. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Commonwealth of England and the temporary abolition of the monarchy.

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

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

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