Redford

Redford is a surname of English origin, believed to be locational, derived from the Old English words 'read', meaning red, and 'ford', a shallow river crossing. This suggests that the name was given to someone who lived near a shallow river with a reddish appearance.

Origins

The Redford surname is primarily found in England, with notable concentrations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Scotland. The name has historical roots dating back to medieval times, and it is likely that different branches of the family spread out to various regions over the centuries.

Notable Individuals

  • Robert Redford (b. 1936) - an American actor, director, and producer, known for his roles in films such as The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and All the President's Men.
  • Michael Redford - a renowned British architect known for his innovative designs and sustainable building practices.
  • Sophie Redford - a British author and historian, specialising in medieval English literature and culture.

Variants

Variants of the Redford surname include Radford, Ratford, and Redfearn, reflecting the phonetic evolution of the name over time and its adaptations to regional dialects.

Heraldic Symbol

The Redford family crest typically features symbols of strength, courage, and loyalty, with common elements such as lions, crosses, and oak leaves.

In conclusion, the surname Redford carries a rich history that reflects the landscape, language, and heritage of the British Isles. Its bearers have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

There are approximately 2,494 people named Redford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,521st most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Redford.

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

Female

  • Donna
  • Emma
  • Jean
  • Joan
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Maureen
  • Rachel
  • 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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