Origin & Meaning of the Radford Surname
What does the last name Radford mean?
The surname Radford 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 12,956 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Radford ranks as the #2,785 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Radford come from?
The Radford 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 Radford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Radford 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 | Radford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,785 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,956 |
| Per 100K People | 4.39 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Radford
According to the US Census, the Radford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,956 Americans with the Radford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.2% |
| Black | 16.84% |
| Hispanic | 1.75% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Radford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Radford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Radford surname increased by 349 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Radford
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