Origin & Meaning of the Benford Surname
What does the last name Benford mean?
The surname Benford 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 3,995 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Benford ranks as the #8,293 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Benford come from?
The Benford 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 Benford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Benford 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 | Benford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,293 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,995 |
| Per 100K People | 1.35 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Benford
According to the US Census, the Benford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,995 Americans with the Benford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 23.73% |
| Black | 69.79% |
| Hispanic | 2.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.23% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 3.2% |
Popularity of Benford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Benford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Benford surname increased by 234 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Benford Family
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- ✓ The Benford coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Benford families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Benford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Benford.
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 Benford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benford
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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