WHITEFORD
Whiteford
Whiteford is a surname of British origin, typically found in England and Scotland. The name is derived from Old English elements 'hwit', meaning "white", and 'ford', referring to a river crossing or ford. The surname likely originated as a toponymic name for someone who lived near a white-coloured ford or river crossing.
The first recorded instance of the surname Whiteford dates back to the early 13th century in England, with variations such as "Whyteford" and "Wyteford" also appearing in historical records. Over time, the name has undergone various spelling changes and regional adaptations.
Individuals bearing the surname Whiteford have been noted in various historical and cultural contexts. The name has been found in records of land ownership, feudal titles, and other documents reflecting the social history of Britain. Notable bearers of the surname may be found in fields such as politics, the military, literature, and more.
The distribution of the Whiteford surname in the British Isles has shown regional concentrations, particularly in areas with historical connections to Anglo-Saxon and Scottish heritage. Variants of the name may exist based on dialectal differences and phonetic evolution.
In modern times, the Whiteford surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its place as part of the rich tapestry of British surnames. Its history and heritage reflect the deep roots of British society and culture.
There are approximately 1,738 people named Whiteford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,731st most common surname in Britain. Around 27 in a million people in Britain are named Whiteford.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Graham
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Agnes
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Helen
- Jane
- Jean
- Julie
- Laura
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Susan