Origin & Meaning of the Gifford Surname
What does the last name Gifford mean?
The surname Gifford 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 19,514 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gifford ranks as the #1,834 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gifford come from?
The Gifford 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 Gifford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gifford 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 | Gifford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,834 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,514 |
| Per 100K People | 6.62 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gifford
According to the US Census, the Gifford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,514 Americans with the Gifford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.37% |
| Black | 2.2% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.69% |
| Two or More Races | 1.84% |
Popularity of Gifford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gifford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gifford surname increased by 343 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gifford
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