Buford — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #3,907 in the US 9,089 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#3,907
▼ Down 185 since 2000
People in the US
9,089
3.08 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Buford Surname

What does the last name Buford mean?

The surname Buford 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 9,089 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Buford ranks as the #3,907 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Buford come from?

The Buford 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 Buford name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Buford 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Buford
Meaning From a river crossing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #3,907
US Count (2010) 9,089
Per 100K People 3.08
First Letter B

Ethnic Distribution of Buford

According to the US Census, the Buford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,089 Americans with the Buford last name.

White 36.93%
Black 56.88%
Hispanic 2.22%
Asian/PI 0.36%
Native American 0.42%
Two+ Races 3.18%
Ethnic distribution of the Buford surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White36.93%
Black56.88%
Hispanic2.22%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.36%
Native American0.42%
Two or More Races3.18%

Popularity of Buford Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Buford surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#3,722
8,751 people
Down 185
Census 2010
#3,907
9,089 people

The number of Americans with the Buford surname increased by 338 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Buford Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Buford ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Buford

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Buford.

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 Buford.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buford

The surname Buford is of English origin. From a river crossing
The surname Buford is ranked #3,907 in the United States with approximately 9,089 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a river crossing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Buford surname is distributed as: 36.9% White, 56.9% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Buford ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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