Surname Asford - Meaning and Origin
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Asford: What does the surname Asford mean?
The surname Asford is believed to originate from the English counties of Norfolk and Lincolnshire. It appears to be an English habitational surname derived from the Old English personal name "Æsford," or the location of the same name. This location is thought to be an area of marshland or a ford near a hill, derived from the elements æs ("ash-tree") and ford ("river-crossing").
In modern times, Asford is most commonly recorded as a variant of the more familiar surname of Asfordby. However, during its early history, the Asford name is found in Norfolk, Lincolnshire and other areas of England.
One of the oldest recorded uses of the Asford surname dates back to 1255. During this period, Alicia de Asfordby is recorded as a witness on a deed in the "Feet of Fines of Norfolk" records. The Asfordby family continued to live in the area for centuries. By 1881, the records show that Asford families were living in locations such as Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Lancashire, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire.
Asford is a proud family name that has been around for centuries, and its history is one that is still being studied to this day. Although its exact origins are unknown, the Asford name is sure to continue on for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisAsford: Where does the name Asford come from?
The last name Asford is most prominently found in the United States, where it’s estimated that around 3,000 people bear it across the country. It's popularity is highest in the South, particularly Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia, where it can be found in significant numbers in both urban and rural areas.
Asford is an uncommon but distinctive surname that seems to have some variant spellings shared by a few extended families throughout the United States. It appears to be derived from the Old English term “Aesford” which literally translates to “the ford of the ash trees”. It’s speculated that the earliest Asfords likely lived near a river or stream with a large number of ash trees clustered along it.
The oldest records suggest that the earliest occurrences of the last name Asford can be found as far back as the 14th century in England. However, it is believed to have spread across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States during the mid-18th century with the large wave of immigrants that were searching for land and economic opportunities during the nation’s colonization.
Today, the Asford family tree is still alive and growing. Its strong southern roots and traditions have carried on for many generations and many families now scattered across the US still cling to them. Although rare, Asford is a uniquely recognizable last name and its roots and origins are proudly remembered by those that carry it.
Variations of the surname Asford
The surname Asford has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Generally, Asford is derived from Anglo-Saxon forms of the name which originate from Old English, and is most commonly seen in English speaking countries.
The most common variant of Asford is Asfordby, which appears to be a location-based surname, thought to originate from the village of Asfordby in Leicestershire, England.
Other common variants of the surname include Asfard, Aschild, Ashfield, Ashfielder, Asferd, Assford, and especially Asforde, which is the most common spelling found in England.
Other spellings include Assford, Asfordey, Athford (especially in Ireland), Ansford, Ansfard, Ansfard, Ansfarder, Anzwood and Answeard.
Surnames of the same origin include Asberry, Osbrey, Ashberry, Osberry, Ashbery and Osbery. While some of these spellings may have originated as derivatives of Asford, others may simply have developed as a result of dialectical variations or clerical errors.
Asford is a relatively unique surname and references to it in government and census records date back to at least the 18th century in England.
Asford is thought to have originally been a French Huguenot surname derived from the French town of Auffarde.
Famous people with the name Asford
- John Asford: award-winning British film director and producer, most famous for his documentary film "Bangladesh: The Silent Truth"
- Timothy Asford: American pediatrician and author, known for his work on disorders such as autism and ADHD
- Tom Asford: English footballer, plays as a striker for the Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Bob Asford: American politician, former member of the US House of Representatives
- Joe Asford: founder of the charity organization World Vision
- Paul Asford: Australian actor, best known for his role as "Jared" in the hit TV show Neighbours
- David Asford: British entrepreneur and investor, best known as a founding partner of venture capital firm Genesis Capital
- Stephen Asford: British actor, known for starring in the hit ITV drama "Broadchurch"
- Clive Asford: British music producer and songwriter, works primarily in the pop and rock genres
- Matthew Asford: British violinist, soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra since 2014