Burford Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Burford
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name BURFORD. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Burford
Gender
Male
Origin
Christian
Lucky Number
3
Meaning of the Name
The name Burford signifies 'lives at the castle ford,' representing a person connected to a fortified river crossing. In Christian tradition, this name carries connotations of protection, stability, and guidance through life's transitions.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Jupiter
Positive Nature
Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.
Negative Traits
Scattered, exaggerating.
Lucky Colours
Yellow, gold, purple.
Lucky Days
Thursday.
Lucky Stones
Yellow sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Arts, writing, communication.
What People Like About You
Creativity, optimism.
Famous People Named Burford
Burford Hurry
Royal Navy Officer
Distinguished naval commander during the Napoleonic Wars
Burford Prioleau
Businessman and Philanthropist
Prominent South Carolina merchant and educational benefactor
Burford P. Martin
Politician and Judge
Influential Tennessee politician and jurist
Burford H. Jett
Military Officer
Decorated U.S. Army officer in World War II and Korean War
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
As a Christian name, Burford gained prominence during the Middle Ages when locational surnames began to be used as given names, often to honor ancestral homes or significant places. The name's association with castles and fortified positions gave it connotations of strength, protection, and stability within Christian communities. Throughout English history, bearers of the name have often been associated with land ownership, military service, and community leadership, reflecting the name's origins in places of strategic importance and governance.
The name also carries aristocratic connotations through its association with the historic Burford family, who were prominent landowners in Oxfordshire and played significant roles in English political and social history. This connection to English heritage and nobility has maintained the name's prestige across centuries, making it a choice that conveys both historical depth and social standing.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Burford typically exhibit traits of reliability, strength, and protective instincts, reflecting the name's origins in fortified river crossings. They often possess a grounded, practical nature combined with strategic thinking abilities, much like the castle guardians and ford keepers of medieval times. Burfords are frequently seen as pillars of their communities—dependable, steadfast, and possessing natural leadership qualities that inspire confidence in others. Their approach to life tends to be methodical and well-considered, with an emphasis on creating stable foundations and secure environments.
Their personality often includes a strong sense of tradition and history, with many Burfords demonstrating deep loyalty to family and community. They tend to be methodical problem-solvers who approach challenges with careful consideration, much like the strategic planning required to maintain and defend important river crossings. While sometimes perceived as reserved or traditional, they typically reveal warmth and generosity to those they trust, embodying the protective yet accessible nature of the castle ford that gives the name its meaning. This combination of strength and accessibility makes them excellent mediators and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts.
Burfords often display a quiet confidence that comes from their connection to heritage and stability. They are typically not impulsive decision-makers but rather consider all angles before acting, reflecting the strategic importance of their namesake location. Their protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional and psychological security, making them valued friends and family members who create safe havens for loved ones during turbulent times.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Burford remains a relatively uncommon but distinguished given name, primarily used in English-speaking countries with strong British heritage connections. Its usage has seen a modest revival in recent years as part of the trend toward traditional and surname-derived first names. While not appearing on most popular baby name lists, Burford maintains a steady presence among families seeking names with historical depth and aristocratic connotations. The name is particularly favored in regions with strong Anglo-Saxon heritage and among families with connections to Oxfordshire or English history. Modern usage often positions Burford as a sophisticated alternative to more common traditional names, appealing to parents who value uniqueness without straying too far from classical naming conventions. The name's rarity in contemporary usage ensures that bearers stand out while maintaining a sense of tradition and heritage.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Burford represents the intersection of protection and passage, embodying the dual nature of castles as defensive structures and fords as points of crossing and connection. The name carries metaphors of guardianship, safe passage, and strategic importance—qualities that translate to personal characteristics of reliability and leadership. Like a castle guarding a river crossing, the symbolic Burford provides both security and access, representing someone who creates safe spaces for growth and transition while maintaining necessary boundaries. This symbolic meaning extends to the idea of being a bridge between traditions and innovation, past and future.
The ford element symbolizes life's transitions and the ability to navigate challenges successfully, while the castle component represents stability, heritage, and protection. Together, they create a powerful symbolic meaning of guided transition—the idea that with proper protection and strategic positioning, one can safely cross from one phase of life to another. This makes the name particularly meaningful for individuals who serve as guides, protectors, or stable influences during times of change. The combination also suggests the importance of strategic positioning in life—knowing when to stand firm like a castle and when to facilitate passage like a ford.