Ford

Location: England, United Kingdom

Origin: The surname Ford is of English origin and is a toponymic surname, derived from the Old English word "ford," meaning a shallow area in a river or stream that can be crossed on foot. It likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a ford or for someone who lived at a location with 'ford' in its name.

History: The Ford surname is one of the oldest recorded surnames in England. It can be traced back to the early medieval period, with the first instances of the name appearing in the 11th century. The name was often used to describe someone who lived near a ford or who worked at a ford crossing. Over time, the surname Ford became established among various communities in England.

Variants: Variants of the Ford surname include Forde, Forth, and Forster.

Famous Bearers:

  1. Harrison Ford: A renowned American actor known for his roles in iconic films such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

  2. Ford Madox Ford: An English novelist, poet, critic, and editor who was a significant figure in the early 20th-century literary modernist movement.

  3. Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr.: The 38th President of the United States, who served from 1974 to 1977.

Genealogy: The Ford surname has a rich genealogical history, and individuals bearing this surname can trace their ancestry through various historical records, including parish registers, census data, and family trees.

Popularity: The Ford surname remains a relatively common surname, especially in English-speaking countries. It has spread beyond England to other parts of the world through migration and colonization.

Coat of Arms: The Ford family coat of arms features traditional heraldic symbols such as chevrons, lions, and crosses. The design and colors used in the coat of arms may vary based on specific family branches and historical documentation.

Legacy: The Ford surname continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a link to ancestral heritage and familial connections. Many individuals with the Ford surname take pride in their lineage and contribute to the diverse tapestry of surnames in the British Isles and beyond.

There are approximately 54,111 people named Ford in the UK. That makes it the 123rd most common surname in Britain. Around 831 in a million people in Britain are named Ford.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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