Origin & Meaning of the Retherford Surname
What does the last name Retherford mean?
The surname Retherford 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 1,934 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Retherford ranks as the #15,223 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Retherford come from?
The Retherford 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 Retherford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Retherford 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 | Retherford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,223 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,934 |
| Per 100K People | 0.66 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Retherford
According to the US Census, the Retherford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,934 Americans with the Retherford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.04% |
| Black | 0.31% |
| Hispanic | 1.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 1.03% |
| Two or More Races | 1.14% |
Popularity of Retherford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Retherford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Retherford surname increased by 78 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Retherford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Retherford.
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 Retherford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retherford
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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