US Popularity Rank: 15957

Origin: British

Meaning: Cattle crossing

Rutherford is a boy’s name and surname of Old English origin. It may derive from the Old English word rother, meaning “cattle,” “ford,” or “river crossing.” Another theory is that a man named Ruther once carried a Scottish king across the River Tweed, and the king’s descendant gave Ruther’s family land. Rutherford then became the surname of that family. Alternatively, Rutherford may derive from the West Flemish placename Ruddervoorde. Whichever meaning you prefer, Rutherford has an old-fashioned English feel that’s sure to give baby an air of sophistication!