Origin & Meaning of the Medford Surname
What does the last name Medford mean?
The surname Medford 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 4,099 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Medford ranks as the #8,089 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Medford come from?
The Medford 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 Medford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Medford 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 | Medford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,089 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,099 |
| Per 100K People | 1.39 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Medford
According to the US Census, the Medford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,099 Americans with the Medford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.02% |
| Black | 14.37% |
| Hispanic | 2.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 2.12% |
Popularity of Medford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Medford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Medford surname increased by 73 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Medford
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