Skip to main content

Ford

Since this is "car week", we'll look at the boy name Ford. The Ford Motor Company has been around since 1903 and was founded by Henry Ford. Clearly, the name comes from a surname but it was originally derived from a place name meaning "ford" in Old English. Nameberry says that it means "dweller at the ford". A ford is defined as "a shallow place in a river or stream allowing one to walk or drive across." That makes Ford a nature place name and a surname.


Famous namesakes include the aforementioned Henry Ford, former U.S. President Gerald Ford, popular actor Harrison Ford, writer Ford Madox Ford, Pre-Raphaelite painter Ford Madox Brown and sportswriter Ford Frick. Actor Owen Wilson named his baby boy Robert Ford.

In pop-culture, there's James "Sawyer" Ford from the TV show Lost, and Nathan Ford on the TV show Leverage. There's a character in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy named Ford Prefect.  This name seems to be used most often as a surname as opposed to a first name.

In fact, the history of popularity for this name contains very small numbers. The question is, are parents ignoring this name because of the motor company? There are plenty of surnames that have had popularity for boys over the years. Nameberry believes that "the long association to the Ford Motor Company doesn't stand in the way of this being a strong, independent, single-syllable name."  Perhaps Ford just hasn't caught on yet.

It has been given to boys since 1880 but only in handfuls. 1915 was a good year for Ford with 133 births and a ranking of #483. 1923 was also good with 115 births. Since then, the name has hung around in the 30-50 births a year range until it dropped even more in the 70s. It slightly increased again around 2000 and by 2013, the name Ford received 179 births for a ranking of #1050. It has now surpassed its original early peaks and could be poised to finally land within the Top 1000 again for the first time since 1951.

Ford as a given name for boys is still a rare gem that modern parents should take advantage of! Otherwise, there are a few names that contain "Ford" within the name that could be used with Ford as a nickname:

  • Alford                     
  • Bedford
  • Bluford
  • Bradford
  • Buford
  • Clifford
  • Crawford
  • Forden
  • Gifford
  • Kalford
  • Lanford
  • Milford
  • Oxford
  • Rayford
  • Redford
  • Rexford
  • Rutherford
  • Sanford
  • Stafford
  • Stanford
  • Talford
  • Telford
  • Wilford
  • Winford
As far as using Ford itself as a given name, here are a few suggestions that I came up with for sibling and middle names to go with it:

Sibling Name Ideas:
Sisters: Audra, Brooklyn, Cora, Harper, Lena, Presley, Tessa
Brothers: Arlo, Bridger, Clive, Franklin, Gage, Owen, Parker

Middle Name Ideas:
Ford Everett
Ford Jonathan
Ford Oliver
Ford Sebastian

As a Middle Name:
Andrew Ford
Ethan Ford
Tristan Ford
Vincent Ford

What would you pair with Ford? What do you think of it as a baby name? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below or on Facebook!

Comments

Sponsored by:

Popular posts from this blog

Colonial Names for Boys and Girls

The Freake Limner (American Colonial Era Painter, active 1670-c 1680) Mrs Elizabeth Freake and Baby Mary 1674 British Colonial America was a very important time in our history. They are the ones that started it all with a sense of freedom and independence. The ones who made the voyage over were discovering a whole new land and developing their own rules in their own new towns. They also had some interesting names, some of which you don't hear often today, and others that might just be cool enough to actually use again. These names were popular in colonial times, taken straight from the 18th century! Some of these overlap with the Biblical names list, and they seem to be much different than the names popular in England during the Victorian era. If you're looking for some cool, historical choices, perhaps you'll find a name that you like here! Boys:                              Abel Abiel Abijah Ab...

From Liam to Luna: These Were The Hottest Baby Names of 2023

Top Trending Baby Names in the US from Births in 2023 According to the Social Security Administration  Choosing the perfect name for your baby is a significant decision, and many parents look to current trends for inspiration. In 2023, certain names have captured the hearts of parents across the United States.  Let's dive into the top ten trending baby names for boys and girls and explore what makes them so popular. Top 10 Baby Boy Names 1. Liam: A name of Irish origin meaning "strong-willed warrior," Liam has been a favorite for several years due to its simplicity and strength. It could be used to honor a William. 2. Noah: This biblical name, meaning "rest" or "comfort," continues to be a top choice for its timeless appeal. 3. Oliver: With roots in Latin, meaning "olive tree," Oliver is beloved for its classic yet modern feel. It works great for any age. 4. James: A traditional name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter," James rema...

The Power of Names: More Than Just a Label

Names hold immense significance, serving as the foundation of identity and the thread that connects individuals to their heritage, culture, and personal narrative.  They are much more than mere labels or a series of letters—names carry the weight of familial history, traditions, values, and aspirations. A name is often the first gift a person receives from their parents, imbued with love, dreams, and hopes for the future.  But why are names so important? The answer lies in their profound influence on our personal lives, social interactions, and how we navigate the world. A Symbol of Connection and Heritage A name anchors us in the rich tapestry of human experience, linking us to our ancestors and culture. Whether passed down through generations or chosen for its meaning, a name can reflect family history or cultural significance, often serving as a bridge between the past and the present. In many cultures, names are chosen with deep thought and purpose, conveying the hopes of ...

Archive