Wilford Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Wilford
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name WILFORD. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Wilford
Gender
Male
Origin
German
Lucky Number
6
Meaning of the Name
Wilford is an English name derived from Old English elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'ford', referring to someone living near a river crossing. It carries connotations of determination and a connection to nature.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Venus
Positive Nature
Harmonious, responsible, caring, and artistic.
Negative Traits
Overly idealistic, superficial, possessive, or jealous.
Lucky Colours
Pink, turquoise.
Lucky Days
Friday.
Lucky Stones
Diamond, turquoise.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Artists, musicians, teachers, healthcare workers.
What People Like About You
Warmth, nurturing nature, artistic flair.
Famous People Named Wilford
Wilford Brimley
Actor
Iconic character actor known for roles in 'Cocoon' and diabetes awareness advocacy
Wilford Woodruff
Religious Leader
Fourth president of LDS Church, meticulous historian of early Mormon movement
Wilfred Owen
Poet
Renowned World War I poet whose works exposed the brutal reality of trench warfare
Wilford Leach
Theatre Director
Tony Award-winning director who revolutionized musical theatre staging
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The name's Victorian revival coincided with the Romantic era's fascination with medieval history and chivalric ideals. Families choosing Wilford during this period often sought to connect their children to an imagined noble past while emphasizing values of determination and peaceful resolution. In America, the name traveled with English settlers and became associated with frontier resilience and religious devotion, particularly through prominent figures like Wilford Woodruff. His extensive journals not only document Mormon history but also provide a window into 19th-century American life, making the name synonymous with meticulous record-keeping and religious dedication.
Extended Personality Analysis
The name Wilford carries distinct personality associations rooted in its etymological meaning of 'desiring peace' and 'willful crossing.' Individuals with this name are typically perceived as possessing a unique blend of determination and diplomacy. The 'will' component suggests strong internal drive and purposefulness—these are people who know what they want and pursue their goals with steady persistence rather than explosive energy. They're the type to carefully plan their route rather than charge ahead blindly.
Their peace-seeking nature manifests as excellent conflict resolution skills and a natural inclination toward mediation. Wilfords often serve as the calm center in stormy situations, using their analytical minds to find practical solutions that satisfy multiple parties. They tend to be deeply principled but not rigid, able to adapt their methods while staying true to their core values. Friends and colleagues typically describe them as 'rocks'—dependable, consistent, and emotionally stable. Their strength lies not in dramatic gestures but in quiet reliability and the wisdom to know when to act and when to wait for the right moment, much like choosing the optimal place to cross a river.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Wilford occupies an interesting niche as a vintage name that hasn't yet experienced the massive revival seen with names like Oliver or Henry. According to Social Security Administration data, Wilford has remained outside the top 1000 names since the 1990s, typically given to between 50-100 boys annually in the United States. This rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking distinctive traditional names without being completely unfamiliar. The name's strongest modern associations come from pop culture references, particularly Wilford Brimley's folksy persona and the mysterious character in Snowpiercer. These associations give the name both warmth and intrigue. Modern parents choosing Wilford often appreciate its strong consonant structure, historical depth, and the availability of the friendly nickname 'Will.' While it may never reach peak popularity again, its steady usage suggests it will remain a classic choice for families valuing tradition, strength, and peaceful connotations.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Wilford represents the archetype of the purposeful journey and peaceful resolution. The river crossing metaphor extends beyond literal meaning to represent life transitions, personal growth, and the navigation of emotional or spiritual challenges. In symbolic terms, the 'ford' represents not just any crossing, but the wise choice of where and how to cross—suggesting strategic thinking, patience, and understanding of natural rhythms. The combination with 'will' creates a powerful symbol of directed energy: not random movement, but purposeful progress toward specific goals.
This name symbolizes the balance between action and contemplation, between moving forward and knowing when to pause. In psychological symbolism, Wilford represents the ego's ability to navigate the unconscious (the river) while maintaining conscious direction (the will). It's a name that speaks to finding safe passages through difficult emotional territory and helping others do the same. The peace-seeking aspect adds another layer of symbolism—this isn't peace through avoidance, but peace achieved through thoughtful engagement with challenges. It represents the wisdom to know that true peace often requires working through conflicts rather than around them, making it a deeply meaningful name for those who value both inner tranquility and effective action in the world.