Samford — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #18,734 in the US 1,465 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#18,734
▼ Down 738 since 2000
People in the US
1,465
0.5 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Samford Surname

What does the last name Samford mean?

The surname Samford 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 1,465 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Samford ranks as the #18,734 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Samford come from?

The Samford 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 Samford name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Samford 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 Samford
Meaning From a river crossing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #18,734
US Count (2010) 1,465
Per 100K People 0.5
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Samford

According to the US Census, the Samford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,465 Americans with the Samford last name.

White 91.81%
Black 2.39%
Hispanic 3.48%
Asian/PI 0.34%
Native American 1.02%
Two+ Races 0.96%
Ethnic distribution of the Samford surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White91.81%
Black2.39%
Hispanic3.48%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.34%
Native American1.02%
Two or More Races0.96%

Popularity of Samford Over Time

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

Census 2000
#17,996
1,430 people
Down 738
Census 2010
#18,734
1,465 people

The number of Americans with the Samford surname increased by 35 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Samford Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Samford

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

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 Samford.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samford

The surname Samford is of English origin. From a river crossing
The surname Samford is ranked #18,734 in the United States with approximately 1,465 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 Samford surname is distributed as: 91.8% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Samford 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.

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