RUMFORD
Rumford
Rumford is a surname of English origin, most commonly found in the United Kingdom. The name is locational in nature and has its roots in various places named Rumford across the country.
Etymology
The surname Rumford is derived from the Old English word "rūm" meaning "wide" or "spacious", and "ford", indicating a shallow place in a river or stream where people could cross. The name likely refers to a place with a wide ford, suggesting it may have originally been a topographical or locational surname.
Distribution and History
The surname Rumford is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Essex, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. Early records show instances of the name dating back to the medieval period, indicating its long history as a British surname.
Notable Individuals
- Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford (1753–1814): An Anglo-American physicist and inventor who made important contributions to the study of thermodynamics.
- Bret Rumford (b. 1976): Australian professional golfer, not of British origin but noteworthy in his own right.
Variants
Variants of the surname Rumford include Rumfitt, Rumford, and Roomford, among others.
The surname Rumford carries a rich history and is associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. As with many surnames, its origins can be traced back to the geographical features of the British landscape, reflecting the deep connection between people and place in the country's history.
There are approximately 258 people named Rumford in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Rumford.
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
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Barry
- Colin
- David
- James
- John
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Barbara
- Carrie
- Clare
- Denise
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Helen
- Isabella
- Katie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Norma
- Susan