The name Gifford is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words giefan, meaning to give, and ford, meaning ford or shallow water crossing. Gifford is a variant of the name Giffard, which was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Gifford has been used in England since the Middle Ages and has been associated with several notable families, including the Gifford family of Chillington, Devon, who were prominent landowners and politicians. The name Gifford has also been associated with the Gifford lectures, a series of lectures on natural theology and philosophy that were established in 1885 at the University of Glasgow. Gifford is a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys. Gifford has been used as a surname as well as a given name. The name Gifford has been popularized in modern times by the American actor and director, Gifford Miller, who is known for his roles in films such as The Matrix and The Terminator. Gifford is also the name of a town in Illinois, USA, which was founded in 1872 and named after a local landowner, Gifford Pinckney. In addition to its association with the Gifford lectures, the name Gifford has also been linked to several other academic and intellectual pursuits, including the Gifford Prize, a literary prize awarded annually by the University of Edinburgh. Gifford has a strong, masculine sound, and is often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, and leadership.

The root form of Gifford is Gifford — meaning Puffy cheeks.

Gifford remains a beloved choice. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.