WHITFORD
Whitford
Whitford is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "hwit", meaning white, and "ford", which refers to a shallow part of a river where one can easily cross. The surname likely originated as a locational name for someone who lived near a white river crossing.
Notable People:
- Bradley Whitford (b. 1959): An American actor best known for his roles in The West Wing and Get Out.
- Chris Whitford: A fictional character in the British TV drama Downton Abbey.
Distribution:
According to data from the British Office for National Statistics, the surname Whitford is most commonly found in England and Wales. It is particularly prevalent in areas with historical connections to rivers or rural crossings.
Coat of Arms:
The Whitford family coat of arms typically features symbols like a white river symbolising the crossing point, and other heraldic emblems that denote courage, loyalty, or noble heritage. These symbols reflect the family's values and history.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Whitford include Whiteford and Whyteford. Different spellings may have emerged over time due to variations in regional accents and dialects.
References:
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- P. Reaney, R. M. Wilson. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
Overall, Whitford is a surname with a rich history and connection to British heritage, reflecting the importance of rivers and crossings in the country's landscape.
There are approximately 1,443 people named Whitford in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,521st most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Whitford.
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
- Anthony
- Barry
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Alwyn
- Carole
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Joan
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan