Raiford — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #13,251 in the US 2,304 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#13,251
▼ Down 290 since 2000
People in the US
2,304
0.78 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Raiford Surname

What does the last name Raiford mean?

The surname Raiford 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 2,304 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Raiford ranks as the #13,251 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Raiford come from?

The Raiford 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 Raiford name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Raiford 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 Raiford
Meaning From a river crossing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #13,251
US Count (2010) 2,304
Per 100K People 0.78
First Letter R

Ethnic Distribution of Raiford

According to the US Census, the Raiford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,304 Americans with the Raiford last name.

White 47.22%
Black 48.26%
Hispanic 1.3%
Asian/PI 0.43%
Native American 0.65%
Two+ Races 2.13%
Ethnic distribution of the Raiford surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White47.22%
Black48.26%
Hispanic1.3%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.43%
Native American0.65%
Two or More Races2.13%

Popularity of Raiford Over Time

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

Census 2000
#12,961
2,169 people
Down 290
Census 2010
#13,251
2,304 people

The number of Americans with the Raiford surname increased by 135 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Raiford Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Raiford ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Similar Surnames to Raiford

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

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 Raiford.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raiford

The surname Raiford is of English origin. From a river crossing
The surname Raiford is ranked #13,251 in the United States with approximately 2,304 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 Raiford surname is distributed as: 47.2% White, 48.3% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Raiford 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.

People searching for information about the Raiford surname also look for:

Share this page:

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn