Surname Sandiforth - Meaning and Origin

Sandiforth: What does the surname Sandiforth mean?

The last name Sandiforth is an Anglo-Saxon surname of Norman origin. Meaning "sandy ford," the surname suggests someone associated with a ford in the river that was sandy. As the English language developed over time, the name became transformed into various forms. Sandiforth is derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century words “sand”, meaning sand, and “ford", meaning a shallow place in the river which could be crossed on foot.

As a locative surname, Sandiforth was used either to denote people who lived by a sandy ford in the river or someone who had moved from another location and "took" the name of the village, region or country from which they had come. The first recorded use of the surname is dated 1463, when one John Sandiforth of Lincolnshire, England, held an estate.

The name Sandiforth is found most commonly today in England, where it is thought to be fairly well dispersed throughout the country. It is also found in Scotland, where it is thought to have been introduced by Border settlers. In the United States, the name can be found most prominently in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

The characteristics associated with the surname Sandiforth include strong willed individuals, loyal friends and family, and eager to achieve in their chosen occupations. Those with the Sandiforth surname are said to be more traditional, yet progressive, and are well respected for their intelligence and corporate success.

Sandiforth: Where does the name Sandiforth come from?

The last name Sandiforth is found mainly in the United Kingdom. It is most commonly found in Hampshire and Devon counties. It is also found, though more rarely, in other parts of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The first recorded spelling of the name Sandiforth was found in the 13th century. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the personal name Sandiferth or Sander. Records of the name date back to 1273, when Sander de Foderingeye was listed in the Hundred Rolls of Devonshire.

Sandiforth was a relatively common name in the 17th century but gradually declined in popularity. It is believed that the decrease in usage was due to emigration to other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada and Australia. Following the emigration, the name Sandiforth became quite rare in the United Kingdom.

Today, it is estimated that there are fewer than 2,000 people in the UK with the last name Sandiforth. It is most commonly found in Hampshire and Devon counties but can also be seen in other places across the country. According to data collected from the 2011 UK Census, there are 87 people with the surname Sandiforth living in the UK.

Variations of the surname Sandiforth

The Sandiforth surname has many variants, spellings, and related surnames, some of which have been in use since the 14th century. The most common variations of this name are Sandforth, Sandifor, Sandiford, Sandifer, and Sandye.

The earliest known record of the surname Sandiforth is from the year 1314, when it was listed as Sandiforth in the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire. The Sandiforths have a long and distinguished place in English history, tracing back to the Norman Conquest of 1066.

In Scotland, the Sandiforths have been recorded from the 1300s in Ayrshire. Many of these Sandiforths emigrated to North America and Australia during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the spelling of the surname evolved accordingly.

Related surnames in England include Sanderson, Sanders, Sanderford, and Sanford. In Scotland, some related names are Saunders, Sandersfort, and Saunderson.

In Ireland, the name Sandiforth has been recorded in County Antrim since 1610. Irish variations of the surname include Sandaver, Sandvyer, and Sandviffer.

The Sandiforth surname has also been recorded in Sweden, where it is spelled Sandeford.

No matter the spelling, the Sandiforth surname is associated with a rich history and a legacy to be proud of.

Famous people with the name Sandiforth

• Justin Sandiforth: Canadian soccer defender, plays for FC Edmonton in the Canadian Premier League
• Jack Sandiforth: Australian actor, known for his roles in Gattaca (1997) and I, Robot (2004)
• Vivienne Sandiforth: British actress, known for playing Glenda in the Terry & June sitcom
• Rick Sandiforth: Canadian energy executive, CEO of Coril Holdings Ltd.
• Charles Sandiforth: British politician, Conservative Party Member of Parliament from 1901 to 1906
• Elise Sandiforth: British actress, most well known for her roles in Just a Girl (2005) and The Resident (2011)
• Emily Sandiforth: Australian artist and author, best known for her illustrations in the children’s book Where’s Pippy? (2013)
• Edmund Sandiforth: British general, commanded in World War I
• Charlotte Sandiforth: British author and journalist, most well known for writing The Self-Publishing Checklist (2015)
• Alan Sandiforth: Canadian entrepreneur and art gallery owner, opened the Sandiforth Art Gallery in Vancouver in 1973

Other surnames

Sandiford