Durnford

Durnford is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is locational, and it originates from various places in England, with the most notable being Durnford in Wiltshire.

The etymology of the surname "Durnford" can be traced back to the Old English words "dene" meaning 'valley' and "ford" meaning 'river crossing'. It is possible that the name was given to individuals who resided near a valley with a river crossing in the vicinity.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Durnford dates back to the 13th century in Wiltshire, England. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Durnford have been documented in various historical records, including census data, birth and marriage certificates, and land deeds.

Notably, members of the Durnford family have been associated with military service, academia, and various other professions throughout history. Captain John Durnford, for example, served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Another notable figure is Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony William Durnford, who played a role in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

Today, the surname Durnford is relatively uncommon but continues to be borne by individuals mainly in the United Kingdom and former British colonies.

In conclusion, the surname Durnford carries a rich history dating back centuries and is associated with individuals who have made contributions in various fields, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

There are approximately 377 people named Durnford in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Durnford.

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
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Simon
  • Thomas

Female

  • Amy
  • Angela
  • Annabel
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Isabelle
  • Jane
  • Kathleen
  • Kathryn
  • Lesley
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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