Origin & Meaning of the Bedford Surname
What does the last name Bedford mean?
The surname Bedford 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 8,814 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bedford ranks as the #4,029 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bedford come from?
The Bedford 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 Bedford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bedford 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 | Bedford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,029 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,814 |
| Per 100K People | 2.99 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bedford
According to the US Census, the Bedford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,814 Americans with the Bedford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.49% |
| Black | 27.96% |
| Hispanic | 2.71% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.59% |
Popularity of Bedford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bedford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bedford surname increased by 163 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Bedford Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Bedford ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Bedford Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Bedford Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Bedford
- ✓ The Bedford coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Bedford families live today
- ✓ Notable Bedford bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Bedford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bedford.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Bedford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedford
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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