RAINFORD

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Rainford

Rainford is a surname of English origin, primarily found in the United Kingdom. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the villages of Rainford in Merseyside and Lancashire. The name "Rainford" is believed to mean "ford where roe deer are found," indicating the likely presence of deer in the area in ancient times.

History:

The surname Rainford has been documented in records dating back several centuries, with early mentions in parish registers, census data, and other historical documents. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name likely hailed from or were associated with the village of Rainford.

Distribution:

While the surname Rainford is not as common as some other English surnames, it is still found across the United Kingdom and in some other parts of the world where British emigrants settled. Variants of the surname may exist due to phonetic changes or regional dialects.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Rainford (1809–1886): A British painter known for his landscapes and portraits.

  • Emily Rainford Cripps (1858–1937): A prominent British suffragette and activist for women's rights.

References:

  • P. H. Reaney and R. M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames, 3rd edition, Oxford University Press, 1995.

  • J. C. C. Smith, The Place-Names of Rainford, British Historical Society, 2008.

The surname Rainford carries with it a sense of heritage and history, connecting individuals to the villages from which it originated. Its bearers have made contributions to various fields, adding to the rich tapestry of British society.

There are approximately 1,976 people named Rainford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,250th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Rainford.

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
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kenneth
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Barbara
  • Brenda
  • Elizabeth
  • Frances
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Sherece
  • 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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