Waterford Surname

The History of the Waterford Surname

The surname Waterford has a rich and interesting history that spans several countries. It is believed to have originated in England, but has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and more. The surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English words 'waeter,' meaning water, and 'ford,' meaning a shallow area in a river or stream that can be crossed on foot. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived near or worked at a shallow crossing point in a river.

Origins of the Waterford Surname

The Waterford surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it was first recorded. The earliest known reference to the surname is in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror. In this book, a man named Rober de Watreford is listed as a landowner in Warwickshire. This indicates that the surname was already in use by the 11th century.

Over the centuries, the Waterford surname spread to other parts of the British Isles, including Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. It is believed that the surname was brought to these countries by English settlers during periods of colonization and migration. In Ireland, the Waterford surname is particularly common in County Waterford, which is located in the southeastern part of the country.

Distribution of the Waterford Surname

Today, the Waterford surname is most commonly found in the United States, where it has an incidence of 443 according to available data. This suggests that the surname is relatively popular in America and may have been brought there by early immigrants from England or Ireland. In Australia, the Waterford surname is also quite prevalent, with an incidence of 279.

In other countries, such as South Africa, the United Kingdom (England and Wales), Ireland, Singapore, Canada, Isle of Man, Norway, Swaziland, and Thailand, the Waterford surname is less common, but still exists with varying degrees of frequency. It is interesting to note that the surname is found in such diverse locations around the world, indicating that the original bearers of the name may have travelled far and wide.

Meaning and Symbolism of the Waterford Surname

The Waterford surname has a literal meaning related to water crossings, but it may also have symbolic significance. Water is often associated with purity, clarity, and renewal, while a ford represents a passage or transition. This could suggest that individuals with the Waterford surname are adaptable, resourceful, and able to navigate challenging situations with ease.

Overall, the Waterford surname is a fascinating name with a long and storied history. Its origins in medieval England, spread to other countries, and symbolic meaning make it a surname worth exploring further. Whether you are a bearer of the Waterford surname or simply interested in genealogy and family history, the story of this name is sure to intrigue and inspire.

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The surname Waterford in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same happens in the case of Waterford, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in all of the countries associated with globe. Just as you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people with all the surname Waterford is greater than in other countries.

The map associated with Waterford surname

1. United States (443)
2. Australia (279)
3. South Africa (31)
4. England (21)
5. Ireland (14)
6. Singapore (4)
7. Canada (1)
8. Wales (1)
9. Isle of Man (1)
10. Norway (1)
11. Swaziland (1)
12. Thailand (1)