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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.3% |
| Black | 27.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.48% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.37% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 2.0% |
Popularity of Fordham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fordham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fordham surname increased by 199 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Fordham Family
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- ✓ The Fordham coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Fordham families live today
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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
Top Surnames Starting with F
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter F, ranked by population.
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