Last Name Wilford

The surname Wilford has Anglo-Saxon origins. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Wilaford," which means "Wulf's ford" or "the ford controlled by Wulf." This name was originally a geographical reference, but over time it became a hereditary surname in England. Variations of the name include Wilforth and Wildford.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wilford

The meaning and origin of the last name Wilford

The surname Wilford is of Old English origin, derived from two elements: "wilf" and "ford." "Wilf" means "wolf" or "wild boar," while "ford" refers to a shallow place where a river can be crossed easily. Thus, the name Wilford originally denoted a "wolf's ford" or a "place where wild boars cross the river." The surname first appeared in England during the Middle Ages and was commonly found in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire. It is a relatively uncommon surname compared to other English names but has been borne by notable figures such as John Wilford, an English explorer who participated in the second British North American expedition led by Martin Frobisher in 1576-1578.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wilford

The surname Wilford is predominantly distributed across various regions in England and Wales, indicating its historical origins in these countries. According to data from FamilySearch, it is most commonly found in counties such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Worcestershire. In the United States, the distribution of Wilford is more widespread, with significant concentrations in states like California, Texas, and Illinois, likely due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in countries such as Australia, Canada, and South Africa, reflecting the global dispersal of English-speaking settlers over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wilford

The surname Wilford possesses several variations and spellings due to phonetic changes over time and regional differences in pronunciation. Some of these include:

* Wildford
* Wylford
* Wyllford
* Wylfard
* Wilfort
* Wilforth
* Wilferd
* Wilfird
* Wilfurde
* Wilfourd
* Williford
* Willfordt
* Wyllfordt
* Wilifordt
* Willifort
* Wilferdt
* Wilfourdt
* Wilfurt
* Willfort
* Wilforde

These variations are primarily due to the change in pronunciation and spelling of Old English "wil" (meaning 'will' or 'desire') over time, as well as the addition or omission of syllables.

Famous people with the last name Wilford

Notable individuals with the surname Wilford include:

1. Malcolm Wilford (1928-2016), an English musician and composer known for his work on "The Prisoner" television series.

2. Chris Wilford, a British guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, best recognized as the co-founder of the punk rock band Slaughter and the Dogs.

3. Martin Wilford (born 1950), an English composer and conductor who has worked extensively in television and film.

4. John Wilford (1927-2012), an American science writer and journalist, known for his work with The New York Times and National Geographic.

5. Stephen Wilford (born 1949), an English composer who has written numerous works for theater, film, television, and ballet.

6. Leslie Nielsen (1926-2010), a Canadian actor, most famously known for his role in the "Airplane!" comedy series, although he did not legally change his last name from Binnion to Wilford until 1967.

Genealogical research on the last name Wilford

The surname Wilford is of English origin and is derived from two possible sources. One theory suggests it's a topographic name for someone who lived near a wilf's ford, where 'wilf' was an Old Norse byname for a wolf. Another theory proposes that the name could be occupational, referring to a wolfe-forder or keeper of a ford frequented by wolves. The earliest known record of the Wilford family can be traced back to the 13th century in Yorkshire, England. Notable individuals with this surname include John Wilford (died 1568), a Yorkshire landowner and politician, and William Wilford (1756-1825), an English architect who designed the London Bridge and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. The name has since been distributed globally due to emigration, particularly to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wilford"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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