BARFORD
Barford, British Surname
Barford is a British surname that is derived from the Old English words "bere" (meaning barley) and "ford" (meaning a shallow river crossing). The name signifies someone who lived near a barley field by a river crossing.
Origins
The Barford surname can be traced back to various regions in England, with notable concentrations in Warwickshire, Norfolk, and Bedfordshire. The name may have originated as a locational surname, denoting people who came from the villages named Barford.
Historical Significance
The Barford family is known to have a long history in England, with records dating back to medieval times. They were often associated with agricultural activities, reflecting the agricultural landscape of England during that period. Over the centuries, the Barford family name has been linked to various professions and societal roles, including farmers, traders, and landowners.
Notable Individuals
Several notable individuals with the Barford surname have left their mark on British history. These include:
- John Barford: A prominent landowner in Warwickshire during the 16th century, known for his contributions to local agriculture.
- Mary Barford: A suffragette activist from Norfolk who played a key role in the women's rights movement in the early 20th century.
- Thomas Barford: An acclaimed author and historian from Bedfordshire, renowned for his works on local folklore and traditions.
Modern Distribution
Today, the Barford surname continues to be present in the United Kingdom, as well as in various parts of the world due to migration and globalisation. Many descendants of the Barford family still carry on the name, upholding the legacy of their ancestors.
Variants
Throughout history, the Barford surname has appeared in various forms and spellings, including Berford, Berforde, and Bareford. These variants attest to the evolution and adaptation of the name over time.
In conclusion, the Barford surname is a distinguished part of British history, reflecting the rich heritage and diverse contributions of the individuals who have borne the name over the centuries.
There are approximately 1,051 people named Barford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,095th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Barford.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- Daniel
- Darren
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Neil
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Terry
- William
Female
- Barbara
- Brenda
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Joanne
- Judith
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.