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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 47.22% |
| Black | 48.26% |
| Hispanic | 1.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Raiford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Raiford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Raiford surname increased by 135 between 2000 and 2010.
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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
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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