Origin & Meaning of the Rayford Surname
What does the last name Rayford mean?
The surname Rayford 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 4,584 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rayford ranks as the #7,270 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rayford come from?
The Rayford 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 Rayford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rayford 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 | Rayford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,270 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,584 |
| Per 100K People | 1.55 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rayford
According to the US Census, the Rayford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,584 Americans with the Rayford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 8.49% |
| Black | 85.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.03% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.15% |
| Native American | 0.31% |
| Two or More Races | 3.95% |
Popularity of Rayford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rayford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rayford surname increased by 398 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Rayford Family
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- ✓ The Rayford coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Rayford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rayford.
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 Rayford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rayford
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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