Origin & Meaning of the Stafford Surname
What does the last name Stafford mean?
The surname Stafford 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 46,394 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Stafford ranks as the #747 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Stafford come from?
The Stafford 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 Stafford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Stafford 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 | Stafford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #747 |
| US Count (2010) | 46,394 |
| Per 100K People | 15.73 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Stafford
According to the US Census, the Stafford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 46,394 Americans with the Stafford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.14% |
| Black | 15.07% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.93% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Stafford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Stafford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Stafford surname increased by 1,045 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stafford
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