TAILFORD
Tailford
Origin and Meaning Tailford is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "tælg" meaning "tail" and "ford" referring to a shallow place in a river that can be crossed. The combination of these words may suggest that the name originated as a place name for a settlement by a river ford where animals were commonly sheared or docked.
History The surname Tailford is believed to have ancient origins in England, particularly in the regions of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Individuals bearing this surname may have been associated with occupations related to agriculture, such as shepherds or farmers who worked with livestock.
Over the centuries, the surname Tailford would have been passed down through generations, becoming an inherited family name. As with many surnames, variations in spelling and pronunciation may have occurred over time, leading to different branches of the family adopting slightly different forms of the name.
Notable Individuals
- Thomas Tailford (1805-1878): A renowned shepherd and agricultural innovator in Yorkshire who developed new techniques for sheep farming.
- Elizabeth Tailford (b. 1952): Notable author and historian specialising in medieval agricultural practices and rural life in England.
Modern Distribution While the surname Tailford may not be as common as some other English surnames, individuals bearing this name can still be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies.
Coat of Arms There is no official Coat of Arms associated with the surname Tailford, as the use of heraldry is traditionally specific to individual families who have obtained or inherited the right to bear a coat of arms.
Legacy Today, the surname Tailford serves as a reminder of England's agricultural heritage and rural traditions. While the specific origins and branches of the Tailford family tree may have branched out and evolved over time, the name continues to carry a sense of connection to the land and the farming communities of historic England.
There are approximately 296 people named Tailford in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Tailford.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Albert
- Andy
- David
- James
- John
- Laurence
- Paul
- Ralph
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rachael
- Susan