BENFORD
Benford
Benford is a distinguished British surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The surname is of English origin and is derived from the Old English elements "beonna," meaning "bent grass," and "ford," meaning "ford," indicating a location near a ford where bent grass grew.
History
The Benford surname is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, around the 11th century, in England. The earliest recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to a family residing in the county of Yorkshire. Over the centuries, the name spread to different regions of England.
Distribution
The Benford surname is not as common as some other British surnames, with only a moderate number of individuals bearing this name. Today, individuals with the surname Benford can be found across various parts of the United Kingdom.
Notable Individuals
1. John Benford (1834-1904)
- A renowned English mathematician and physicist known for his contributions to the field of thermodynamics. Benford's law, a phenomenon in probability theory, is named after him.
2. Sarah Benford (b. 1978)
- A British artist known for her contemporary sculptures that explore themes of nature and sustainability. Benford's works have been exhibited in galleries across the UK.
Trivia
- The Benford family crest features a shield adorned with bent grass, symbolising resilience and growth.
- The surname Benford has been the subject of various genealogical studies, providing insights into the family's historical origins and lineage.
The Benford surname carries with it a sense of heritage and lineage, reflecting the rich history of the British Isles.
There are approximately 1,091 people named Benford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,905th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Benford.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Colin
- David
- Ian
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Paul
- Philip
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Amanda
- Angela
- Claire
- Joanne
- Julie
- Karen
- Katie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Maureen
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Rosemary
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.