Sanford is an English given name with origins dating back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Old English words "sand" and "ford," meaning a sandy ford or crossing over a river. The name likely originated in areas of England where there were settlements near sandy river crossings.

The earliest recorded use of the name Sanford dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appeared in various spellings, such as Samford and Sandforth, indicating its evolution over time.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Sanford was Sanford de Chaloines, who lived in Normandy, France, in the 12th century. He was a knight and landowner who participated in the Third Crusade under King Richard I of England.

In the 13th century, there was a notable English priest named Sanford de Solario, who served as the Archdeacon of Worcester from 1239 to 1256. He was known for his scholarly work and contributions to the church during his lifetime.

During the 16th century, Sir Sanford de Samford was a prominent English nobleman and landowner in Worcestershire. He was knighted by King Henry VIII in 1544 for his military service and loyalty to the crown.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Sanford was Thomas Sanford, an English settler who arrived in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1632. He became a successful merchant and was one of the founders of the town of Milford, Connecticut, in 1639.

Another notable figure was Sanford Ballard Dole, an American politician and jurist who served as the President of the Republic of Hawaii from 1894 to 1900. He played a significant role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the eventual annexation of the islands by the United States.