The name Wilford is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "wil" meaning "will" or "desire" and "ford" meaning a shallow place where a river can be crossed. It dates back to the medieval period in England, where it was common for names to reflect geographical features or personal characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wilford can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of landowners commissioned by William the Conqueror. This suggests that the name was already in use among the Anglo-Saxons before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

In the 12th century, the name Wilford is mentioned in the chronicles of the Benedictine monastery of St. Albans, where a monk named Wilford is recorded as having served as a scribe and illuminator of manuscripts.

During the Middle Ages, the name Wilford was particularly popular in the northern counties of England, such as Yorkshire and Northumberland. This could be attributed to the prevalence of fords in these regions, where settlements often developed near river crossings.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Wilford was Sir Wilford Woodhouse, a 14th-century English knight who fought alongside Edward III in the Hundred Years' War against France.

In the 16th century, the name Wilford gained prominence with the birth of Wilford Holcroft, an English Catholic priest and martyr who was executed during the reign of Elizabeth I for refusing to renounce his faith.

Another famous bearer of the name was Wilford Woodruff, an American religious leader who served as the fourth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1889 to 1898.

In the 20th century, the name Wilford was further popularized by Wilford Brimley, an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Cocoon" and "The Firm." He was born in 1934 and passed away in 2020.

Another notable Wilford was Wilford Lewin, a Jamaican-born British actor and singer who appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "Doctor Who" and "The Prisoner." He was born in 1929 and died in 1988.