Colford Surname

The Origins of the Surname Colford

The surname Colford is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "col", meaning "cool" or "charcoal", and the word "ford", referring to a shallow place in a river where one can cross. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived near a cool, shallow crossing point in a river.

Early Records of the Surname Colford

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Colford dates back to the 12th century in England. One of the first known bearers of the surname was a man named William de Colford, who was documented in the Pipe Rolls of Surrey in 1166. The surname later spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond.

Surname Distribution

The surname Colford is most commonly found in the United States, where it has an incidence rate of 577. This suggests that there is a significant population of individuals with the surname Colford living in the US. The surname is also fairly common in Canada, with an incidence rate of 515. In the UK, the surname is most prevalent in England, with an incidence rate of 114, followed by Scotland (21) and Northern Ireland (2). The surname also has a presence in Ireland (14), the United Arab Emirates (1), and Qatar (1).

Variants of the Surname Colford

Over the centuries, the surname Colford has undergone various spelling changes and modifications. Some common variants of the surname include Caulford, Colfort, and Coalford. These variants may have been the result of clerical errors, dialectal differences, or anglicization of the original surname.

Notable Bearers of the Surname Colford

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Colford. One such individual is John Colford, a renowned English poet and playwright who gained fame in the 18th century for his satirical works. Another notable bearer of the surname is Mary Colford, a pioneering female physician who broke gender barriers in the medical field in the 19th century.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Colford has a rich history and has been passed down through generations in various parts of the world. From its Anglo-Saxon origins to its modern-day distribution, the surname continues to be a part of the cultural tapestry of the English-speaking world.

The surname Colford within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens in the case of Colford, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that can be found in most of the countries associated with globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Colford is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Colford surname

1. United States (577)
2. Canada (515)
3. England (114)
4. Scotland (21)
5. Ireland (14)
6. Nothern Ireland (2)
7. United Arab Emirates (1)
8. Qatar (1)