Origin and Meaning of Wilford

Desires to be a leader; a strong will

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English elements 'wille' meaning 'will' or 'desire', and 'ford' meaning 'river crossing'.

• The name Wilford has historical significance, being used in England as a surname before it became a first name.
• In the United States, Wilford saw some popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining in usage.
• Notable bearers of the name include Wilford Brimley, an American actor and advocate for diabetes awareness.
• The popularity of Wilford peaked in the 1920s, after which it became less common, often considered an old-fashioned name.
• Variations and related names include Wilfred, Wilber, and even William, which share similar elements of meaning.