Origin & Meaning of the Wilford Surname
What does the last name Wilford mean?
The surname Wilford 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 2,801 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wilford ranks as the #11,279 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wilford come from?
The Wilford 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 Wilford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wilford 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 | Wilford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,279 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,801 |
| Per 100K People | 0.95 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wilford
According to the US Census, the Wilford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,801 Americans with the Wilford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 54.91% |
| Black | 36.77% |
| Hispanic | 4.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.43% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 3.14% |
Popularity of Wilford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wilford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wilford surname increased by 150 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wilford Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wilford ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Wilford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wilford.
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 Wilford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilford
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Wilford surname also look for: