The word "taft" may also be found used as a name. It is believed to be a name for boys and is derived either from the Old French or the Old English. In the former case it refers to "homestead" and in the latter to a "marsh river". It is also used as a last name or surname and in this sense refers to "dweller at the homestead or croft". As a last name it can be seen as part of the name of the twenty seventh President of the United States a William H Taft, Mr Taft was also known as the fattest president of the United States weighing approximately in excess of three hundred pounds. His wife Mrs Helen Taft was believed to be the real power behind the man. There are several places in the United States called Taft as well.