Surname Allford - Meaning and Origin
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Allford: What does the surname Allford mean?
The surname Allford is of English origin and is believed to have geographical roots. It is primarily derived from Old English word "Ealdford" which translates to "old ford." "Eald", meaning "old", and "ford", referring to a shallow crossing in a river or stream. This suggests that the original bearers of the name might have lived near an old ford or important river crossing, which were significant landmarks in ancient times. This name thus is an example of a habitational surname, which was often taken on based on a person's residence or proximity to a particular geographical feature. In medieval times, people often were referred to by their trade or their geographical location, which over time turned into hereditary surnames. It's worth noting that spelling variations in different historical periods and regions include Alford, Aleford, Elfords and others. Although fairly rare, Allford is predominantly found in Britain, with smaller populations in the Americas and Australia, presumably carried there by migrants.
Order DNA origin analysisAllford: Where does the name Allford come from?
The surname Allford is of English origin, likely deriving from a place name, although the specific location is unclear. It could have originated from "Alford" in Lincolnshire or "Alford" in Somerset. The name is thought to represent someone from one of these towns or villages. The name "Alford" in itself is said to mean "old ford" or a "ford by a temple", derived from Old English terms.
Historical documents suggest that the name Allford was first found in counties of Shropshire and Lincolnshire. People with this surname migrated to various countries over time, often in search of better opportunities. Today, it is not confined to the UK and is found in multiple countries worldwide, notably in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The popularity of the name may vary among regions reflecting ancestral migration patterns. The prevalence, however, appears to remain relatively low overall. Further research would be needed to precisely determine where exactly it is most common today.
Variations of the surname Allford
The surname Allford might have several variants and spelling including Alford, Allforde, Alforde, Aelford, Aelford, Ailford and Elford. These different spellings have been used throughout history and are largely due to a historical lack of standardized spelling rules in English language.
Allford probably originated from a place name. There are several locations in England named Alford, and the surname might have originated as a means of identifying a person from one of these places. The name itself is derived from Old English words 'alder' (alder tree) and 'ford' (a ford in a river), thus symbolizing a person living near a ford surrounded by alder trees.
The surname Alford is also found in Scotland and in this case, the name may have been derived from the Gaelic 'ail', meaning rock, and 'ford', signifying a crossing,
In terms of related surnames, Allford shares its origins with other surnames that originated as place names. Therefore, similar surnames could include Ashford, Stratford, or Rutherford, among others. However, it should be stressed that while these surnames have similar origins they do not necessarily share any genealogical links.
Famous people with the name Allford
- John Allford: British actor best known for his role in the 2010 film Submarine.
- Danny Allford: American soccer player who played in the MLS for Chicago Fire and Los Angeles Galaxy.
- Robert Allford: Canadian actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows.
- Paul Allford: former English professional golfer.
- Martyn Allford: former Grand Prix motorcyclist from England.
- Ron Allford: Australian architect who designed many landmarks such as the Mods Theatre at the Sydney Opera House.
- Abigail Allford: director of the acclaimed Hulu series 6 Balloons.
- Angela Allford: British singer-songwriter known for her songs such as “Let Go” and “Where Does the Light Shine.”
- Wendy Allford: American blogger and author of the cookbook “Vegan Comfort Classics.”
- Alan Allford: British actor currently starring in the ABC primetime show “Black-ish.”