TELFORD
Telford
Telford is a prominent British surname with its origins rooted in the historical region of Shropshire. The name is associated with the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford, who played a key role in shaping the infrastructure of the United Kingdom during the Industrial Revolution.
Origins:
The surname Telford is of Old English origin, derived from the words "tela" meaning 'good' or 'excellent' and "ford" referring to a river crossing. This etymology suggests that the name likely denoted someone who lived near a good river crossing or who was connected with the maintenance of such crossings.
Notable Figure:
Thomas Telford (1757-1834) was a pioneering civil engineer whose work had a lasting impact on British architecture and infrastructure. Telford's most notable projects include the design of the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge in Wales and the Caledonian Canal in Scotland. His innovative approach to engineering and dedication to improving transportation networks cemented his legacy as one of Britain's foremost engineers.
Modern Significance:
In contemporary times, the surname Telford continues to be associated with individuals who have inherited a rich history of engineering, architecture, and innovation. Descendants of the Telford family are likely to take pride in their heritage and may be inspired to pursue careers in technical and creative fields.
The surname Telford stands as a tribute to the legacy of Thomas Telford and his contributions to British engineering, embodying a tradition of excellence and progress in the history of the United Kingdom.
There are approximately 5,413 people named Telford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,754th most common surname in Britain. Around 83 in a million people in Britain are named Telford.
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Gemma
- Joanne
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.