Surname Blandford - Meaning and Origin
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Blandford: What does the surname Blandford mean?
The last name Blandford is an English locational surname believed to be derived from the settlement of Blandford Forum in Dorset, England. The name Blandford Forum is thought to be derived from the Old English ‘Blōdford’ meaning ‘ford where blood was spilled’, which likely referred to a fatal battle that took place in the area in ancient times. As a surname, Blandford generally refers to someone who had once hailed from Blandford Forum. In some cases, it may have been an occupational surname referring to someone who worked in, or lived near, the market.
Although rare as a first name, Blandford is found in a few records from the 17th Century in Gloucestershire, England. However, no records of the name in the United States prior to the 20th Century have been found. In the 1900s, settlers from England began to arrive in North America, likely bringing the surname Blandford with them.
The name Blandford is still in use today and is predominantly found in England. It continues to be associated with the origins of the Blandford Forum settlement, and is a reminder of the many stories and historical events that have left their mark on the Dorset area.
Order DNA origin analysisBlandford: Where does the name Blandford come from?
The last name Blandford is most commonly found in the United States. It originated in France, but many derivations of the name have been found in other English-speaking countries as well. According to Ancestry.com, Blandford is the 26,646th most common last name in the United States, with an estimated 10,000 people sharing the surname as of 2015.
Blandford is most prevalent in the Southern United States, with the highest concentration in Virginia. In that state, the surname is ranked the 544th most common, with an estimated 850 people of Blandford descent. The Blandford name is also common in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia. Outside the United States, it has been found in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The origin of the surname Blandford is undocumented. While it is believed to have originated in France, the name’s exact etymological roots remain a mystery. There are several theories surrounding the meaning of the name, including that it is derived from the German word ‘balen’ (to snatch) or the Old English words ‘blad’ (which means countryside) and ‘forde’ (which means a shallow crossing). Some theories speculate the name is derived from a place name, likely a settlement in the south of England (now known as Blandford Forum).
Whatever its origin, the Blandford surname remains an important part of many family histories. With its current prevalence in the Southern United States, the name will likely continue to be part of the American cultural landscape for generations to come.
Variations of the surname Blandford
The surname Blandford is an English topographic or habitational name derived from a place name. The surnames spelled as Blandish, Blandish, Blandiss, Blandis, Blandissh, and Blandisshe, all refer to the same origin. There are also many variants of Blandford, which include Baundford, Baunford, Beaudford, Blanford, Blandeford, Blandforde, Blandeforde, Blanforde, Blawndford, Blaneford, Blaneford, Blanforde, Blanfordes, Blanfyord, Blanforth, Blanfordes, Blandfort, Blandfordes, Blaniford, Blaniferd, Blanphord, Blanphurd, Blamfort, Blamforde, Blamforth, Blampfort, Blampfurd, Blamfurd, Branford, Brampford, and Brampforth.
Blandford is a habitational name, so many spellings of the surname likely refer to places named Blandford located throughout England. There are places located in Devon, Dorset, and Wiltshire that bear this name. In each of these places, locals may have adopted the name Blandford as their own surname, likely through immigration from other parts of England.
Many variations of Blandford may also be variants from other nationalities; many sources suggest that the name is of French origin from the word "blanc," meaning "white." There is also the possibility that the surname is of Scottish origin from the Gaelic words “blath” and “fearn”, meaning “flower” and “alder” respectively.
No matter its exact origins, the surname Blandford has many variants and spellings that all refer back to the same common origin. Variations of the surname range from English to French to Scottish, allowing members of the Blandford family to trace their roots to different countries and regions.
Famous people with the name Blandford
- Henry Blandford: English cricketer who played for Surrey Cricket Club in the 1800s.
- Robert Blandford: English barrister and journalist who was a governor of Bramshill House from 1835 to 1847.
- Reverend William Blandford: early American minister and planter in the Pendleton District of South Carolina.
- Abraham Blandford: British Army officer who fought in the Seven Years' War and later served as an engineering surveyor in British North America.
- Charles Blandford: English composer of the late 19th century who was known for writing popular salon music.
- William (Bill) Blandford: founding member of the British Foresty Commission and one of the pioneers of the ecological movement.
- Thomas Blandford: British brigadier general and later civil servant in the East India Company.
- Jim Blandford: American attorney specializing in tax law and financial planning.
- Alfred Blandford: Australian soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions in World War I.
- Walter Blandford: British Army major-general and later colonel of the King’s Liverpool Regiment.