Petford

Petford is a British surname of Middle English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Pead", meaning "strong or bold". The addition of "ford" in the surname indicates a possible connection to a river crossing, suggesting that the earliest bearers of the name may have lived near or worked at a ford in a river.

The Petford surname is most commonly found in the West Midlands region of England, with historical records showing concentrations in areas such as Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Variants of the name include "Pitford" and "Pettiford".

Individuals bearing the Petford surname can be traced back to medieval times, with records dating as far back as the 13th century. The name has continued to be passed down through generations, and descendants of the Petford family can still be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

The Petford surname may have originated as a descriptive or occupational name, denoting characteristics such as strength or courage, or indicating that the bearer lived or worked near a river crossing. Over time, the name has evolved and diversified, with different branches of the family possibly adopting variations in spelling or pronunciation.

Like many British surnames, Petford carries a rich history and heritage, reflecting the complex tapestry of the country's medieval origins and the subsequent development of surnames as identifiers of family lineage. Individuals with the Petford surname can take pride in their connection to this ancient and storied name, which forms part of the diverse tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 429 people named Petford in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Petford.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Colin
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Raymond
  • Stephen
  • Steven

Female

  • Ann
  • Caroline
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Lucy
  • Michelle
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Sheila
  • 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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