RUTHERFORD
Rutherford
Rutherford is a Scottish and northern English surname derived from various places named Rutherford, primarily in the Scottish Borders region. The name is of Habitational origin, denoting someone who hailed from one of these places.
Etymology
The surname "Rutherford" is believed to have originated from the Old English words "hryther" meaning 'cattle' and "ford" meaning 'river crossing'. This suggests that those who bore the surname may have been associated with a location where cattle were driven across a river.
Distribution
The Rutherford surname is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Borders region. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and around the world, carried by individuals who have emigrated from Scotland.
Notable Individuals
- Henry Rutherford: A renowned Scottish physicist known for his ground-breaking research in the field of nuclear physics.
- Kelly Rutherford: An American actress with Scottish roots, known for her roles in popular television shows.
Coat of Arms
The Rutherford family has a distinct coat of arms that often features symbols such as a bull's head or a river crossing, reflecting the etymology and history associated with the surname.
In conclusion, the surname Rutherford carries a rich history dating back to ancient times in Scotland and continues to be a prominent name associated with various achievements and contributions in different fields.
There are approximately 12,993 people named Rutherford in the UK. That makes it the 691st most common surname in Britain. Around 200 in a million people in Britain are named Rutherford.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jean
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.