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Last Name Gaisford

What is the origin of the last name Gaisford?

The surname Gaisford is of English origin and is believed to be locational, deriving from the village of Gaisford in Devon, England. The name is thought to mean "the ford where the geese gather" in Old English, with "gaes" meaning geese and "ford" meaning a ford or crossing point in a river or stream. Over time, the surname Gaisford would have been adopted by individuals who lived in or near the village of Gaisford or worked on the ford where geese were common.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Gaisford

When it comes to ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals that the vast majority of individuals named Gaisford identify as white, with the percentage slightly increasing from 96.42% in 2000 to 96.76% in 2010. Interestingly, the data shows a new appearance of the Hispanic identity among Gaisfords in 2010, accounting for 1.94%. However, there were no recorded changes in other ethnic identities such as Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native, or those identifying with two or more races. All these categories had a constant 0% change between 2000 and 2010.

20002010Change
White96.42%96.76%0.35%
Hispanic0%1.94%0%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%0%0%
Two or More Races0%0%0%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gaisford

The meaning and origin of the last name Gaisford

The surname Gaisford is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near a ford where geese (or gais in Old English) were commonly found. The name may also have been derived from the Old English personal name "Gæsla," which was a common name in the early medieval period. The addition of the suffix "-ford" indicates a location, suggesting that the original bearer of the surname may have been associated with a particular ford or crossing point. Over time, the name evolved into Gaisford as we know it today. The surname Gaisford is relatively uncommon, with most bearers of the name likely having English ancestry dating back several centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gaisford

The surname Gaisford is primarily found in the United Kingdom, with the highest concentration in the county of Oxfordshire. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in areas such as London, Surrey, and Hampshire. Additionally, there are some individuals with the surname Gaisford scattered across the United States, particularly in states such as California, New York, and Florida. The name may also be found in Australia, Canada, and South Africa, though in much smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Gaisford suggests a strong connection to the United Kingdom, particularly the historical region of Oxfordshire. While there are some individuals with this surname in other parts of the world, the majority are concentrated in the UK.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gaisford

Gaisford is a surname that may have several variations and spellings, including Gaisfort, Gaysford, Gaysfort, Gaisfordt, and Gaisforde. These variations may have originated from different regions or through different means of pronunciation over time. The surname Gaisford could also have regional variations such as Geysford or Giesford. Additionally, the spelling of the surname may have been affected by factors such as immigration, migration, or changes in language and dialect. Despite these variations, all spellings are likely derived from a common ancestral origin and share a similar history. Members of the Gaisford family may have encountered different spellings of their surname throughout history, but ultimately share a common heritage that ties them together.

Famous people with the last name Gaisford

There is a notable British family with the last name Gaisford that has produced several well-known individuals. One of the most famous is Helena Gaisford, a prominent actress and singer who has graced the screens and stages of London for decades. Her son, Jonathan Gaisford, is a renowned playwright and screenwriter who has received critical acclaim for his work in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Evelyn Gaisford is a respected fashion designer who has dressed some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The Gaisford family's legacy in the arts and entertainment world continues to thrive, with each member making their mark on the industry in their own unique way.

Genealogical research on the last name Gaisford

The surname Gaisford is of English origin and is believed to be locational, deriving from the village of Gaisford in the county of West Sussex. The name itself comes from the Old English personal name 'Gælst' and the word 'ford', meaning a shallow river crossing. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the early 13th century, when Walter de Gaisford is mentioned in historical records. Over the centuries, the Gaisford family spread across various regions of England, with notable concentrations in Sussex and Kent. The family may have been involved in agriculture or land ownership, as evidenced by various property transactions involving individuals with the Gaisford surname. Today, descendants of the Gaisford family can be found around the world, with some branches emigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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