Balfour
Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Balfour: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2025.
A distinguished Scottish surname turned first name, Balfour originates from a place name in Fife meaning 'pasture village' or 'village on the river'. The most famous bearer is British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour, whose 1917 Balfour Declaration shaped modern Middle Eastern politics. The name also graces the Balfour Beatty construction firm, founded by Arthur’s brother. Balfour Bay in the Shetland Islands is named after the same Fife estate. Though rare as a first name today, it retains a stately, literary quality—J.M. Barrie, a family friend, likely drew on Balfour for characters in his works. A strong, heritage-rich choice for parents seeking something uncommon yet deeply Scottish.
Boy 1 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20253 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #7623 babies
- Total births
- 3since 2025
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y