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.
Discover Your Oxford Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Oxford ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Oxford Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Oxford Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Oxford
- ✓ The Oxford coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Oxford families live today
- ✓ Notable Oxford bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Oxford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Oxford.
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 Oxford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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