Surname Delford - Meaning and Origin

Delford: What does the surname Delford mean?

The surname Delford is of English origins and is derived from the Old English words ‘delf’, meaning ‘entrenchment’ and ‘ford’, meaning ‘ford’. It is believed the name was originally used to denote a person who lived near a deep ford in a river or stream. The family is said to have first established itself in the county of Somerset where it is believed they were granted lands by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The family flourished and branched out into various parishes and counties such as Warwickshire and Yorkshire.

The family was prominent throughout the medieval period. During the 16th century, Edward Delford was listed in the Canterbury/Oxford Dictionary of Surnames and later in the College of Arms. Thomas Delford was also mentioned in an old book in 1588.

The family itself was characterized by a strong work ethic and loyalty to their community. They provided service in many roles such as justice of the peace, churchwarden, and coroner, and clergymen were often associated with the family. Many members were active in political and business life, such as Thomas Delford who was a burgess in 1666.

Today, the Delford name still stands with pride. They are renowned for their loyalty, integrity, and dedication to whatever task they find themselves involved in. The Delfords are still a major influence in many parts of England, and their lasting legacy proves that the family has withstood the test of time.

Delford: Where does the name Delford come from?

The surname Delford is of English origin, possibly derived from geographical or locational roots. The name could potentially have links to a place known as 'Delaford' in England. The prefix 'Del' is likely derived from Old English 'dael,' which means 'valley,' while 'ford' refers to a shallow place in a river or stream that can be crossed by wading or driving. Thus, Delford could mean 'the ford in the valley'.

However, it's not a widely prevalent surname, thus making it challenging to pinpoint its exact origin and present occurrence. Using global databases, it appears that the name Delford is infrequently found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, but its presence is not significantly high in any particular region. So, while it may have British roots, the name Delford is not especially common in any specific part of the world today.

Variations of the surname Delford

The surname Delford is not a very common name and does not seem to have prevalent variations, alternate spellings or surnames of the same origin. The name appears to be of English origin, possibly indicating a geographical origin from a place called "Delford," but no such place currently exists in England. The name could have evolved from a similar English surname related to a specific geographical location. Names such as Delaford, Delaforde, Dalforde, or Dalliford could potentially be related.

It's also possible that the name got modified over time due to migration and mispronunciations. Surnames similar in sound and structure like Delord, Delgado, Delbord, Alford, or Bedford may be connected but without concrete genealogical evidence, it's difficult to confirm. More specific family tree investigation would be required to establish any concrete connections or variations. Remember, surname origins can be complex and multi-layered, due to factors like migration, language evolution, and regional dialects.

Famous people with the name Delford

• Robert Delford Brown: American actor and author
• Enrique Delford Delgado: Colombian painter
• Gracie Opulanza Delford: American singer
• Richard Delford Watson: former governor of New South Wales
• Jeff Delford: American Olympic cyclist
• Peter Delford Brown: poet, composer, lecturer and politician
• Rob Delford: New Zealand Rugby player
• Curtis Delford: British-American health scientist
• Duncan Delford: footballer
• Edward Delford: English composer and organist
• Sarah Delford: American poet
• Jonathan Delford: journalist
• Courtney Delford: American painter
• Ullast Delford: Dutch painter
• A.J. Delford: American football coach

Other surnames

DelfortDelforto