Last Name Guilford

The last name "Guilford" is of English origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the place name "Guildford" or "Guildford," which is a town in the county of Surrey, England. The town name itself is thought to derive from Old English words "ford" meaning a river crossing and "gylde" meaning gold or a golden ford. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation might have led to different forms of the surname, including "Guilford."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guilford

The meaning and origin of the last name Guilford

The surname Guilford is of English origin and is derived from a place name. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English words "gylde," meaning "golden" or "gilde," meaning "enclosure," and "ford," referring to a crossing point over a river or stream. This suggests that Guilford was likely a place name given to a village or settlement near a golden crossing or a crossing point surrounded by a protective enclosure. The surname Guilford was first recorded in England in the 12th century. Over time, individuals bearing this surname migrated to various other countries, including the United States, where it is still in use today. As with many surnames, variations in spelling have occurred over the years, including Guildford, Gilford, and Gylford, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guilford

The last name Guilford is not one that is widely distributed geographically. It is primarily found in the United States, specifically in the states of Connecticut, Illinois, and Virginia. In Connecticut, the surname Guilford is most concentrated in the New Haven County area. Similarly, in Illinois, it is clustered around the Cook County region. In Virginia, it can be found in various counties, including Fairfax and Henrico. Apart from these states, the name is relatively uncommon throughout the rest of the United States. There are also a few instances of the surname being present in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Hampshire. Overall, while not a widely spread last name, Guilford does have a modest presence in select regions of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guilford

The last name Guilford has a few variations and spellings that derive from its original form. Some variations include Gifford, Gilford, Guildford, and Gillford. These variations often result from regional accents, dialects, or changes made during immigration. For instance, Guilford might have been spelled Gifford when someone with that surname migrated to another country where pronunciation or spelling adjustments were made. Similarly, Guildford could be a spelling change resulting from a regional dialect or accent. The spelling Gilford might have emerged due to a family's preference for simplification or ease of pronunciation. Gillford, on the other hand, could be a phonetic modification or an alternative pronunciation used by a specific branch of the family. Overall, despite the variations and spellings, the core identity of the surname remains intact, maintaining its historical relevance and connection to its origins.

Famous people with the last name Guilford

There is no widely known famous individual with the last name Guilford. It is important to note that fame can vary depending on different factors, such as regions and fields of expertise. However, there are notable individuals who have the last name Guilford and have made contributions in their respective fields. One example is Robert Guilford, a professor in genetics and biology at Stanford University. His research focuses on hereditary cancer susceptibility and identifying genetic mutations that increase cancer risk. Another notable figure is John Guilford, a psychologist and lecturer known for his work on cognitive psychology. His research has contributed to understanding how people process information and make decisions. Additionally, in the field of education, Andrew Guilford is a renowned professor at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, specializing in intellectual property law. While these individuals may not be widely recognized celebrities, their contributions in their fields exemplify the achievements that can be associated with the last name Guilford.

Genealogical research on the last name Guilford

The last name Guilford has its origins in England. It is derived from a locational name, indicating that the original bearer hailed from a place called Guilford or Guildford. The name Guildford itself comes from the Old English words "gylde," meaning gold, and "ford," referring to a river crossing. The name first appeared in written records in the 12th century, and its variations such as Gylford and Gyldford were also common. Over time, the name spread to other English-speaking countries and underwent different phonetic changes. Genealogical research into the Guilford surname reveals various branches of the family that settled in different regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Notable individuals with the surname Guilford have contributed to various fields, such as politics, academia, and the arts, leaving behind a rich and diverse heritage.

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