Skip to main content
Back to all names
BoyEnglish

Guilford

GIL-ford

Guilford is a boy’s name of English origin, meaning “From a place name, meaning 'ford of the guild' or 'the meeting place at the river crossing'.”, and peaked in popularity in 1923.

Letters8
Syllables2
OriginEnglish

What Guilford Means

From a place name, meaning 'ford of the guild' or 'the meeting place at the river crossing'.

The Story of Guilford

From a winding English lane to your family tree, this name evokes a steady, welcoming presence, a ford for your child's journey.

Guilford is a name etched into the English landscape, originating from place names that describe a 'ford of the guild' or a 'meeting place at the river crossing.' This name traveled from the geographical to the personal, carried by families establishing roots in English towns and villages over centuries. Its popularity peaked in the early 20th century, suggesting a period when traditional place names held significant charm and authority.

To say 'Guilford' is to feel the solid ground beneath your feet and the gentle flow of a river. It’s a name that conjures images of friendly faces and reliable strength, a place where people gather and journeys begin. For your son, you imagine him being a constant, a harbor for friends, someone who makes the path ahead seem clear and navigable, just like crossing a familiar ford.

Nickname Watch

Kids pick up nicknames whether parents plan for it or not. Make sure you love the short forms too.

AI Features

Unlock Guilford’s Full Story

AI consultant · Sibling matches · Cultural deep-dive · Compatibility scores

🔒 No credit card needed

Numerology

8

The Achiever

Powerful, determined, and success-oriented. Names at 8 project confidence and ambition.

Personality Traits

FriendlyHonestReliablePractical

Spelling Variations

Peak Year

#22 in 1923

Total Births

589

First Recorded

1885

More Names Like Guilford

View all

Explore related name groups

Save Guilford to your favorites list