Origin & Meaning of the Hereford Surname
What does the last name Hereford mean?
The surname Hereford 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 2,206 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hereford ranks as the #13,721 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hereford come from?
The Hereford 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 Hereford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hereford 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 | Hereford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,721 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,206 |
| Per 100K People | 0.75 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hereford
According to the US Census, the Hereford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,206 Americans with the Hereford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 54.81% |
| Black | 36.58% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.41% |
| Native American | 2.81% |
| Two or More Races | 3.04% |
Popularity of Hereford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hereford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hereford surname increased by 126 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hereford
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