Origin & Meaning of the Safford Surname
What does the last name Safford mean?
The surname Safford 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 3,148 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Safford ranks as the #10,237 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Safford come from?
The Safford 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 Safford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Safford 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 | Safford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,237 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,148 |
| Per 100K People | 1.07 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Safford
According to the US Census, the Safford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,148 Americans with the Safford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.25% |
| Black | 23.73% |
| Hispanic | 1.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Safford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Safford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Safford surname decreased by 93 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Safford
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