The origin of the last name "Buford" is English. It is derived from a habitational surname referring to someone who lived in a place called "Buffle" or "Buffard". These place names are associated with several locations in England, such as villages in Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Lancashire. Over time, the surname evolved into variations such as "Bufford" or "Balfour" in some cases.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Buford

The meaning and origin of the last name Buford

The surname Buford is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "bula" meaning "bull," and "ford" meaning "a shallow river crossing." Therefore, the name Buford essentially alludes to someone who lived by or was associated with a river crossing frequented by bulls. It is possible that in some instances, the name may have also been a topographic surname for individuals residing near such a location. The surname Buford has ancient roots, and its earliest recorded instances can be traced back to medieval England. Over time, the name has undergone various spelling variations, including Bufard, Boford, and Bufort. It is not uncommon for names to evolve and change over the centuries due to migrations, regional accents, and dialects. Today, individuals with the surname Buford can be found around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. The strong connection of this name to the English landscape makes it a fascinating piece of genealogical history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buford

The last name Buford is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the southern region. This surname can be traced back to English origins, specifically from the villages of East and West Belford in Northumberland. Over time, many individuals with the surname Buford migrated to America, which likely explains its concentrated presence in the country. Within the United States, states such as Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee have a higher population of individuals with the last name Buford. However, it is worth noting that this surname can also be found in other parts of the world, albeit in smaller numbers. As with many last names, the geographical distribution of Buford has likely been influenced by historical factors such as immigration, settlement patterns, and family migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buford

The last name 'Buford' has various variations and spellings throughout history and across different regions. Some common variations include 'Bufford', 'Beaufort', 'Beauford', and 'Boeford'. These variations often stem from different spellings that originated due to phonetic differences or errors in official records. For instance, 'Bufford' may have been spelled as such due to regional accents or different dialects. Similarly, 'Beaufort' and 'Beauford' may have been influenced by the French origin of the name, while 'Boeford' could be an alternative spelling resulting from English pronunciation variations. Additionally, variations in spelling can also occur in various official records, such as census data or immigration records, where names are often transcribed based on the phonetic interpretation of the transcriber. Despite these varying spellings and variations, all these names generally refer to individuals who share a common ancestral root and are part of the broader Buford family.

Famous people with the last name Buford

Buford Pusser was perhaps the most famous person with the last name Buford. He became renowned for his tenure as the sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, during the 1960s. Pusser's courageous fight against organized crime, particularly illegal gambling and moonshine operations, earned him the nickname "Walking Tall." His life and actions inspired multiple movies such as "Walking Tall" in 1973, which portrayed his relentless pursuit of justice. Another notable person with the last name Buford is Edward T. Buford, who was the first African American president of the U.S. Chess Federation in 1998. Buford made significant contributions to promoting chess diversity and inclusivity. His efforts aimed to break down barriers and encourage people from all backgrounds to participate in the game. The achievements of Buford Pusser and Edward T. Buford have solidified the Buford name within law enforcement and the world of chess, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Buford

The last name Buford has its roots in medieval England, tracing back to the 13th century. The Buford family originated in the village of Buford, located in the county of Oxfordshire. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English word "buleford," meaning "bull ford," indicating a stream or river crossing used by bulls. Over the centuries, the Buford family spread throughout England, with notable branches established in other regions like Norfolk and Yorkshire. The family name gained prominence with the arrival of Colonel John Buford from the United States during the American Civil War. Colonel Buford played a crucial role as a cavalry officer and was recognized for his bravery and military tactics. Today, the Buford name can be found not only in England but also in other parts of the world due to migration and globalization. Its history and significance make the Buford surname an intriguing subject for genealogical research.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends