Origin & Meaning of the Guilford Surname
What does the last name Guilford mean?
The surname Guilford 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 2,776 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Guilford ranks as the #11,365 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Guilford come from?
The Guilford 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 Guilford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Guilford 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 | Guilford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,365 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,776 |
| Per 100K People | 0.94 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Guilford
According to the US Census, the Guilford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,776 Americans with the Guilford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 60.12% |
| Black | 34.83% |
| Hispanic | 1.84% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 2.41% |
Popularity of Guilford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Guilford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Guilford surname increased by 165 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guilford
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