Last Name Foord

The surname Foord is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "ford," which means a shallow area in a river or stream that can be crossed on foot or by vehicle. It is likely that the name originally referred to someone who lived near such a shallow crossing or who worked as a ferryman or in some other occupation related to water crossings. The surname Foord is considered to be a topographic or locational surname, indicating where the original bearer of the name lived or worked.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Foord

The meaning and origin of the last name Foord

The surname Foord is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "ford," which means a shallow area in a river or stream that can be crossed by wading. The surname was likely originally given to people who lived near or worked at such fords. The name may also have been given to those who lived near a landmark known as "the ford." Over time, the spelling of the surname may have changed and evolved, leading to variations like Ford, Foard, and Forde. The surname Foord reflects a connection to the land and nature, suggesting a family's ancestral ties to a specific geographical location with a shallow river crossing. Today, individuals with the surname Foord can trace their heritage back to these early English origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Foord

The surname Foord is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the southern regions such as England and Scotland. It is also present in countries with historical ties to the British Empire, including Australia, Canada, and South Africa. In the United States, the name Foord is less common but can still be found scattered throughout various states. The concentration of individuals with the last name Foord is highest in regions where English settlement and immigration have been prominent throughout history. While not one of the most common surnames, those with the name Foord can be found across the globe due to the historical influence of British culture and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Foord

The surname Foord has various spellings and variations that can be found throughout history. Some common variations of the name include Ford, Forde, Fords, and Forwood. These variations may have originated from different regions or dialects and have evolved over time. Other less common spellings of the surname may include Forde, Foorde, and Forrd. The name Foord is believed to be of English origin, with its meaning likely derived from a topographical feature such as a ford or a shallow river crossing. The variations in spelling can often be attributed to different pronunciation or transcription practices throughout different time periods. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the surname Foord has a rich history and can be found in various genealogical records and historical documents.

Famous people with the last name Foord

One famous person with the last name Foord is Caitlin Foord, an Australian professional soccer player who currently plays as a forward for the Arsenal Women's team and the Australian national team. Foord has represented her country at multiple international competitions, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games. Known for her speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, Foord has become a key player for both her club and national teams. She has received several individual awards and accolades throughout her career, highlighting her talent and dedication to the sport. Off the field, Foord is also a prominent figure in promoting women's soccer and gender equality in sports, using her platform to inspire and empower young athletes around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Foord

The surname Foord is of English origin and is believed to derive from the Old English word "ford", meaning a shallow place in a river that can be crossed on foot. It is thought to have been a topographic name for someone who lived near such a ford or possibly an occupational name for a ferryman or someone who worked at a ford. The earliest recorded instance of the surname Foord dates back to the 13th century in Kent, England. Over the centuries, the Foord family branched out and spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond. Today, individuals with the last name Foord can be found in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Foord surname may uncover connections to other prominent families and shed light on the origins and migration patterns of this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "foord"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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