Surname O'Bodyford - Meaning and Origin
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O'Bodyford: What does the surname O'Bodyford mean?
The surname O'Bodyford originates from the pre-Norman times of 11th century Ireland. The word “body” may refer to the Gaelic term “bodach” which means “ox,” suggesting an early occupation of the family as oxen herders. However, the “ford” part of the name suggests an even earlier time of medieval civilization when fords were a crucial landmark and land was divided according to the ownership of fords. The two combined terms evolved over time into one of the most commonly known Irish surnames, O'Bodyford.
Today, O'Bodyford is a popular Irish name, often found living in and around the region of Leinster, all across Ireland. Some individuals of the family are linked to the Irish clan O Codhna, further connecting the surname to its Irish roots.
The O'Bodyfords are known to be independent and strong-willed, which aligns with their namesake's independence and ownership of fords, a mark of political power and prestige at the time. They are also said to have deep empathy for others, likely due to their agricultural background and heritage.
Throughout their history, the O'Bodyfords have remained connected to their Irish heritage, retaining their control of fords and remaining independent. This is evidenced by the depth and history behind their name, as well as the culture that it has derived from.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Bodyford: Where does the name O'Bodyford come from?
The O'Bodyford surname is most commonly found today in the countries of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Evidence suggests that this name was established in both countries hundreds of years ago. In Ireland, there is significant evidence that the O'Bodyford surname was established in medieval times, and the name has been found in records dating as far back as the 16th century.
The majority of people with the O'Bodyford surnamed lived in the Republic of Ireland and the six counties of Northern Ireland. In addition, many of those with the name emigrated to other parts of the British Isles, and particularly England, over the years. As a result, there is now a significant number of people in England with the O'Bodyford surname.
Today, there are around 1,200 people in Ireland and the United Kingdom with the O'Bodyford surname, and it is most common in counties such as Dublin and Galway in the Republic of Ireland, and Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, and Tyrone in Northern Ireland. Moreover, the name can still be found among those of English descent in various regions of England as well.
Variations of the surname O'Bodyford
The surname O’Bodyford is an anglicized variant of the Irish name Ó Buidheabhfhoird. It is a patronymic surname derived from the first name Buidheabhfhoird, which itself is a combination of the Irish-Gaelic words Buidhe (‘yellow’) and abhradh (‘slaught’). The surname O'Bodyford is found predominantly in Ireland.
Variants of O’Bodyford include Ó Buidheabhfhoird, O’Bodiford, O’Bodyforde, O’Bodyfard, O’Bobfurd, O’Boobfard, O’Bodyfurd, O’Booford and O’Boaford. Spellings of the name may vary as well, including Bodiford, Bodyford, Bodyforde, Bodyfard, Bobfurd, Boobfard, Bodyfurd, Boodfurd, Booford and Boaford.
Other surnames of Irish origin, which share the same Ó Buidheabhfhoird root, include Buttimer, O’Byme, O’Body, Beator, Beader, Beater, Byme and Beede.
The O’Bodyfords are known to originate from County Leitrim, Ireland, and were descended from the Irish sept of MacMaolruanaidh, lords of the territory of Clann Uadach, which comprised the present day baronies of Carrigallen and Mohill.
Famous people with the name O'Bodyford
- Saoirse Ronan: an Irish-American actress who has received numerous awards and nominations, including three Golden Globe Awards and four Academy Award nominations.
- Cillian Murphy: an Irish actor, best known for his critically acclaimed performances in films like The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Dunkirk and Inception.
- Oliver O'Bodyford: an American human rights activist, best known for his pioneering work in the promotion of human rights in the Middle East.
- Conor O'Bodyford: an Irish-American musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known for being the lead vocalist and leader of the alternative rock band The Cranberries.
- Dermot O'Bodyford: an Irish writer and poet, best known for his work on such timeless classics as The Once and Future King and Finnegans Wake.
- Patrick O'Bodyford: an American entrepreneur and investor with a net worth estimated to be in the billions. He is the founder of the venture capital firm O'Bodyford Capital.
- Kevin O'Bodyford: an Irish football player, best known for playing for a range of teams such as Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City and Aston Villa.
- Christian O'Bodyford: an American comedian and actor, best known for his stand-up comedy and television appearances on shows such as The Tonight Show and The Late Late Show.
- Tommy O'Bodyford: an Irish politician, best known for his work in the Irish Senate representing the Green Party from 2002-2005.
- Billy O'Bodyford: an American film director and producer, best known for his Academy Award-winning film Schindler's List, as well as Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan.