Lanford — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #12,607 in the US 2,455 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#12,607
▲ Up 364 since 2000
People in the US
2,455
0.83 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English
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Origin & Meaning of the Lanford Surname

What does the last name Lanford mean?

The surname Lanford 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 2,455 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lanford ranks as the #12,607 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Lanford come from?

The Lanford 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 Lanford name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Lanford 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Lanford
Meaning From a river crossing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #12,607
US Count (2010) 2,455
Per 100K People 0.83
First Letter L

Ethnic Distribution of Lanford

According to the US Census, the Lanford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,455 Americans with the Lanford last name.

White 84.52%
Black 5.95%
Hispanic 6.68%
Asian/PI 0.45%
Native American 0.65%
Two+ Races 1.75%
Ethnic distribution of the Lanford surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White84.52%
Black5.95%
Hispanic6.68%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.45%
Native American0.65%
Two or More Races1.75%

Popularity of Lanford Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lanford surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#12,971
2,167 people
Up 364
Census 2010
#12,607
2,455 people

The number of Americans with the Lanford surname increased by 288 between 2000 and 2010.

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What’s inside your report
  • ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lanford
  • ✓ The Lanford coat of arms & heraldry
  • ✓ Migration journey across the world
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  • ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Lanford

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lanford.

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 Lanford.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lanford

The surname Lanford is of English origin. From a river crossing
The surname Lanford is ranked #12,607 in the United States with approximately 2,455 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a river crossing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Lanford surname is distributed as: 84.5% White, 6.0% Black, 6.7% Hispanic. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Lanford ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

Top Surnames Starting with L

The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.

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