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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 36.93% |
| Black | 56.88% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 3.18% |
Popularity of Buford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Buford surname has changed in prevalence.
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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The Complete Story of the Buford Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Buford Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Buford
- ✓ The Buford coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Buford families live today
- ✓ Notable Buford 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 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
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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