Fordham — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #6,930 in the US 4,838 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#6,930
▼ Down 218 since 2000
People in the US
4,838
1.64 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Fordham Surname

What does the last name Fordham mean?

The surname Fordham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." 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 4,838 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fordham ranks as the #6,930 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Fordham come from?

The Fordham 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 Fordham name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Fordham 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 Fordham
Meaning From a homestead or village
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #6,930
US Count (2010) 4,838
Per 100K People 1.64
First Letter F

Ethnic Distribution of Fordham

According to the US Census, the Fordham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,838 Americans with the Fordham last name.

White 67.3%
Black 27.57%
Hispanic 2.48%
Asian/PI 0.37%
Native American 0.27%
Two+ Races 2.0%
Ethnic distribution of the Fordham surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White67.3%
Black27.57%
Hispanic2.48%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.37%
Native American0.27%
Two or More Races2.0%

Popularity of Fordham Over Time

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

Census 2000
#6,712
4,639 people
Down 218
Census 2010
#6,930
4,838 people

The number of Americans with the Fordham surname increased by 199 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Fordham Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Fordham

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

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 Fordham.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fordham

The surname Fordham is of English origin. From a homestead or village
The surname Fordham is ranked #6,930 in the United States with approximately 4,838 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a homestead or village. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Fordham surname is distributed as: 67.3% White, 27.6% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Fordham 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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