Origin & Meaning of the Alford Surname
What does the last name Alford mean?
The surname Alford carries the meaning "From a river crossing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 30,771 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alford ranks as the #1,140 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alford come from?
The Alford surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Alford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alford trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Alford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,140 |
| US Count (2010) | 30,771 |
| Per 100K People | 10.43 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alford
According to the US Census, the Alford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 30,771 Americans with the Alford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 63.95% |
| Black | 30.58% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Alford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alford surname increased by 721 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alford
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