Origin & Meaning of the Gafford Surname
What does the last name Gafford mean?
The surname Gafford 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 2,586 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gafford ranks as the #12,059 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gafford come from?
The Gafford 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 Gafford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gafford 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 | Gafford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,059 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,586 |
| Per 100K People | 0.88 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gafford
According to the US Census, the Gafford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,586 Americans with the Gafford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.46% |
| Black | 14.62% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 1.04% |
| Two or More Races | 2.78% |
Popularity of Gafford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gafford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gafford surname increased by 130 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gafford
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