Ford where oxen cross
Derived from the Old English words 'oxa' (ox) and 'ford' (a shallow crossing place). It originally served as a locational surname for someone living near the famous river crossing in England that eventually became the site of the world-renowned university.
Less common today
Oxford isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,269 in 2020.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Personified grammatical concept in popular culture · Vampire Weekend song
Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, often cited in Shakespeare authorship theories
