Guilford

Guilford is a distinguished British surname with origins dating back to medieval England. The name is of locational origin, derived from the Old English words "gylt," meaning gold, and "ford," referring to a river crossing. The surname Guilford was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror.

The Guilford family has branches spread across the United Kingdom, with notable historical figures bearing the surname. One such individual is Sir Francis Guilford, a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. The Guilford surname has also been linked to various regions in England, such as Surrey, where the town of Guildford is located.

Over the centuries, the Guilford surname has evolved and diversified, with variations such as Guildford and Gilford emerging. Today, individuals with the surname Guilford can be found not only in the UK but also in other parts of the world, especially in former British colonies.

The Guilford name carries a sense of heritage and history, reflecting the rich tapestry of British ancestry. Genealogical research into the Guilford family has uncovered connections to nobility, landownership, and significant contributions to various fields. The legacy of the Guilford surname continues to be cherished by individuals seeking to understand and celebrate their British roots.

There are approximately 293 people named Guilford in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Guilford.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Colin
  • David
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Noel
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Selwyn

Female

  • Carol
  • Carolyn
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Katherine
  • Louise
  • Lucy
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Zoe

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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