Origin & Meaning of the Telford Surname
What does the last name Telford mean?
The surname Telford 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 3,280 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Telford ranks as the #9,861 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Telford come from?
The Telford 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 Telford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Telford 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 | Telford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,861 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,280 |
| Per 100K People | 1.11 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Telford
According to the US Census, the Telford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,280 Americans with the Telford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.68% |
| Black | 17.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.37% |
| Two or More Races | 1.68% |
Popularity of Telford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Telford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Telford surname increased by 170 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Telford
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