Cattle ford or river crossing
Derived from Old English, it refers to a shallow place in a river where cattle (ruther) could cross (ford). It is primarily known as an English surname and a place name from the Scottish Borders.
Less common today
Rutherford isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,423 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
19th President of the United States
Nobel Prize-winning physicist known as the father of nuclear physics
The reclusive uncle and master of Misselthwaite Manor · The Secret Garden
