Origin & Meaning of the Oxford Surname
What does the last name Oxford mean?
The surname Oxford 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 4,509 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oxford ranks as the #7,387 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oxford come from?
The Oxford 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 Oxford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oxford 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 | Oxford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,387 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,509 |
| Per 100K People | 1.53 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oxford
According to the US Census, the Oxford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,509 Americans with the Oxford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.16% |
| Black | 5.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.93% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 1.29% |
| Two or More Races | 1.95% |
Popularity of Oxford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oxford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oxford surname decreased by 51 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford
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