Sanford (given name)

Sanford is a masculine given name of English origin. It is derived from a surname that originated as a locational name, meaning "sandy ford" or "sand ford." It references a ford (a shallow place in a river or stream allowing passage) characterized by a sandy bottom or banks.

The name gained some popularity in the United States, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While not exceedingly common, it has a history of consistent usage.

Notable people with the given name Sanford include:

• Sanford Ballard Dole: The first president of the Republic of Hawaii and later the first governor of the Territory of Hawaii after it was annexed by the United States.
• Sanford Meisner: An American actor and acting teacher who developed a form of acting known as the Meisner technique.

The name Sanford can sometimes be shortened to "Sandy" as a nickname.