Surname Tumforde - Meaning and Origin
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Tumforde: What does the surname Tumforde mean?
The last name Tumforde is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words 'tun' and 'forda,' which literally mean a "road over a river or waterway." Historically, the name was used to refer to a person who lived near a ford or used it as a crossing point. It could also be an occupational name for someone who oversaw or maintained a ford.
Tumforde is a fairly uncommon surname and has mainly been found in various parts of England, including East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and some parts of Yorkshire. It has also been recorded in some parts of Scotland, where it may have been adopted by families who moved from English areas.
The name is associated with several families, including noble and prominent ones. However, even in the ages when surnames first began to be adopted, it was still used fairly sparingly. This is possibly because it referred to a specific type of geographical location or job, and therefore might not have been as popular or widespread as other surnames.
Despite its limited usage, the surname of Tumforde has endured over the centuries and is still present in certain localities today. While its original meaning may have been forgotten, it continues to be an important part of family history for those who carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisTumforde: Where does the name Tumforde come from?
The last name Tumforde is found mainly in the northern parts of Europe in countries like Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is a rare and uncommon surname with only a few people with the name living today.
The origin of the name can be traced back to the pre-medieval Germanic language and it is believed to be derived from the words “thun”, which means ‘servant’, and “ford”, which is an old Germanic term that described a river or a stream. This gave the original meaning of “servant of the ford”.
In England, the name was found mainly in the North East but has spread throughout the country. It was also very popular in Scotland, Ireland and Northern Germany.
While the surname Tumforde is now considered quite rare, there have been occasions where it has seen a resurgence and become more popular. For example, it has been used as a stage name by various actors and musicians and is one of the few surviving instances of the old Anglo-Saxon names that are still used today.
In recent years, the last name is still present but is far from common. It is mainly found in the northern European countries where it was once popular.
Variations of the surname Tumforde
The surname Tumforde, which is of British origin, has several variants and spellings. It is most commonly seen as Tumford, although Tumforde is another variant of the name. Alternate spellings include Tomford, Tomforde, Tumfortunately, and Toomford. Commonly, the name has been shortened to Tumf or Tumfe.
The name Tumforde was first recorded in Somerset, England in 1243, when William de Tumforde was listed as an estate holder in that county. Over the centuries, the surname has also been associated with the parishes of Cannington and Nether Stowley in Somerset.
Notable members of the Tumforde family include Dr. Matthew Tumford (1599-1663), a Vicar of St Giles’s Cripplegate, London and a royal chaplain; and the poet and author, Thomas Tumford (1746-1809).
Other variants of the Tumforde surname include Tomphartz, Toomphartz, Tomphards, Thombards, Thompazz, Thomford, Thompfart, Thomphard, Tomphard, and Tumfart. Surnames with similar origins include Tompkins, Tompkinson, Tummons, Tumelin, Tomlyn, and Tomling.
Famous people with the name Tumforde
- William Tumforde, English stage actor
- Bill Tumforde, retired American baseball player
- Edgar Tumforde, Swedish film director
- John Tumforde, British cyclist and Olympic silver medalist
- Robert Tumforde, German Officer in the Second World War
- Sarah Tumforde, Australian fashion designer
- James Tumforde, Australian surf lifesaver
- Mark Tumforde, British actor and screenwriter
- Hugh Tumforde, British cricketer
- Henry Tumforde, English architect