Origin & Meaning of the Ford Surname
What does the last name Ford mean?
The surname Ford 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 184,832 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ford ranks as the #137 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ford come from?
The Ford 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 Ford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ford 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 | Ford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #137 |
| US Count (2010) | 184,832 |
| Per 100K People | 62.66 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Ford
According to the US Census, the Ford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 184,832 Americans with the Ford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 62.05% |
| Black | 32.0% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 2.52% |
Popularity of Ford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ford surname increased by 6,435 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Ford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ford
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