Last Name Woodford

The surname Woodford is of English origin. It is a locational surname derived from the place name "Woodford," which can be found in various locations in England. The name comes from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "ford" meaning "ford," indicating a river crossing near a wooded area. Therefore, the name Woodford originally referred to someone who lived by or near such a river crossing. Over time, this locational surname became hereditary, passed down from one generation to the next.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Woodford

The meaning and origin of the last name Woodford

The surname Woodford has English origins and is derived from two elements: "wood" and "ford." The first element, "wood," refers to a forest or wooded area, suggesting that an ancestor with this name resided near or worked in such a location. The second element, "ford," indicates a shallow place in a river or stream where it can be crossed on foot or by vehicle, suggesting that the settlement associated with this surname was located near such a crossing point. Therefore, the surname Woodford likely emerged to identify individuals or families who resided in or near a forested area close to a river ford. Over time, the surname would have been passed down through generations, becoming an inherited family name. As with many surnames, variations in spelling and pronunciation may have occurred throughout history, resulting in different spellings or localized versions of the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Woodford

The last name Woodford is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, the surname is mainly concentrated in England, especially in the southern regions such as Hampshire, Surrey, and London. Woodford can also be found in Wales and Scotland, but in smaller numbers. In the United States, the name is spread across different states, with significant populations in New York, California, Texas, and Illinois. It is often seen in areas with strong English and Scottish heritage due to historical immigration patterns. Additionally, some individuals with the last name Woodford may have migrated to other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Overall, while the distribution of the surname Woodford extends beyond these regions, it remains most prevalent in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Woodford

The last name Woodford has evolved over time, resulting in several variations and spellings. One common variation is "Woodforde," with the inclusion of an additional "e" at the end. This variant is often seen in historical records and documents, reflecting an older spelling convention. Another variation is "Woodfurt," where the "d" is replaced by a "t." This variation might have originated from dialectal differences or regional accents. Additional variations include "Woodforth" and "Woodfordt," which retain the original spelling but alter the pronunciation slightly. "Woodfurth," with the replacement of the "d" with a "th," is another variant. Lastly, there might be instances of misspellings, such as "Woodward" or "Wodford," which could be the result of clerical errors or misinterpretations. These variations and spellings reflect the diverse nature of the English language and its historical evolution.

Famous people with the last name Woodford

There are a few notable individuals with the last name Woodford who have made their mark in various fields. One such individual is David Woodford, an accomplished British artist known for his stunning landscape paintings. His artworks often depict the beauty of the English countryside and have garnered international recognition. Another famous Woodford is Charles Woodford, an English cricketer who played for Middlesex and earned a respectable reputation in the sport during the early 20th century. Additionally, Tom Woodford, an American entrepreneur, made his name in the business world as the founder of Woodford Reserve, an acclaimed bourbon whiskey brand. Woodford Reserve has become synonymous with quality and is highly regarded among whiskey enthusiasts. These notable figures named Woodford have left a lasting impact in their respective fields, showcasing their talent, skills, and creative endeavors.

Genealogical research on the last name Woodford

The surname Woodford has its origins in England, specifically in the county of Essex. It is a locational name, deriving from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "ford" meaning "a shallow place in a river where it can be crossed." This suggests that the name was originally given to individuals who resided near or across a river in a wooded area. One prominent individual with the surname Woodford is Sir Ralph Woodford, a British Army officer who served as the Governor of Trinidad from 1813 to 1828. His notable achievements include the abolition of slavery in the colony and the introduction of educational reforms. The name Woodford is also associated with several notable accomplishments in various fields, including politics, literature, and art. Genealogical research on the Woodford name has revealed a widespread distribution of individuals bearing this surname, with significant concentrations found in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. This suggests a history of migration and settlement across these countries. In summary, the surname Woodford has a rich history and diverse lineage, with noteworthy individuals leaving their mark in various spheres of society.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Woodford"
• 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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