Origin & Meaning of the Sanford Surname
What does the last name Sanford mean?
The surname Sanford 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 36,312 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sanford ranks as the #957 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sanford come from?
The Sanford 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 Sanford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sanford 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 | Sanford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #957 |
| US Count (2010) | 36,312 |
| Per 100K People | 12.31 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sanford
According to the US Census, the Sanford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 36,312 Americans with the Sanford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.62% |
| Black | 17.78% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Sanford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sanford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sanford surname increased by 747 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sanford
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