BECKFORD
Beckford
Beckford is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "bec," meaning a stream or brook, and "ford," referring to a shallow area in a river or stream where one can easily cross. The name therefore likely indicates a place where a stream could be forded.
The Beckford surname has a long history in England, particularly in the West Midlands, where the village of Beckford in Worcestershire is located. The village's name likely originates from a local ford over a nearby stream. Over time, individuals living near or associated with this ford adopted the surname Beckford.
Notable individuals with the surname Beckford include the novelist William Thomas Beckford (1760-1844), known for his Gothic novel "Vathek" and for his extensive art collection. The Beckford family also had significant influence in British colonial Jamaica, where they owned large sugar plantations.
Today, the surname Beckford is found not only in the United Kingdom but also in various countries with historical connections to the British Empire. The name continues to hold significance for those interested in genealogy and local history, often tracing their roots back to the villages and landscapes that inspired the creation of their surname.
There are approximately 2,356 people named Beckford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,677th most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Beckford.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Region of origin: Europe
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Trevor
Female
- Beverley
- Carol
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Kara
- Machala
- Natasha
- Patricia
- Pauline
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Sonia
- Sophia