Radford

Radford is a surname of English origin that is derived from a place name. It is an habitational surname referring to various places named Radford in England. The most notable of these is Radford in Nottinghamshire, which was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Redeforde". The name is composed of the Old English elements rad, meaning "red", and ford, meaning "ford". This suggests that the place was named after a red river crossing or a river with reddish banks.

The distribution of the Radford surname is primarily found in the Midlands region of England, particularly in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire. Over time, individuals bearing the name Radford have migrated to various parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, and the United States.

The Radford surname has been borne by notable individuals throughout history, contributing to various fields such as literature, music, sports, and academia. One famous bearer of this surname is the English composer and conductor, Ernest John Radford (1857–1939), known for his choral and orchestral works.

In contemporary society, the Radford surname continues to be held by many individuals, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British heritage. The name Radford epitomizes the rich history of England and its people, reflecting the evolution of language and culture over the centuries.

There are approximately 11,210 people named Radford in the UK. That makes it the 815th most common surname in Britain. Around 172 in a million people in Britain are named Radford.

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sandra
  • 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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