Science & TechnologyAmerican1883 – 1948
Frank Benford
Benford's Law, leading digit frequency distribution
Biography
An American electrical engineer and physicist known for discovering Benford's Law, which describes the frequency distribution of leading digits in naturally occurring datasets. His work has applications in fraud detection and auditing.
Quick Facts
Category
Science & Technology
Nationality
American
Born
1883
Died
1948
Thinking about the name
Benford
English origin
“A surname-as-given-name with Anglo-Saxon roots, Benford combines 'ben' (possibly from a place name or occupational origin) with 'ford,' referencing a river crossing. This name has a sturdy, masculine character that fits the trend of using place-inspired surnames as first names. It evokes English countryside heritage and a certain understated sophistication.”