Surname Ganford - Meaning and Origin

Ganford: What does the surname Ganford mean?

The last name Ganford is a patronymic surname of British origin, which derives from the personal name “Gann”. Patronymic names like Ganford are derived from the given name of the father of the initial bearer, with “-ford” often used to denote a “ford” or river crossing, suggesting the family lived near a river crossing. The personal name “Gann” was derived from “Gauen”, an ancient Old English word for “battle”. Alternatively, “Gann” or “Gannor” could also be derived from “Gana”, an Old English word meaning “joy”.

The surname first appeared in records in the mid-13th century in several parts of England including Essex, Surrey, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Early records of the name include the marriage of John Ganneford to Agnes Pauncefote in London in 1599 and the christening of John Ganford in Suffolk in 1636. The Ganford family name is also common in parts of Ireland and Canada.

Today, the Ganford surname is most commonly found in England, the United States, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.

Ganford: Where does the name Ganford come from?

The last name Ganford is most frequently seen in the United States today, particularly in the states of Illinois and Indiana. The surname is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Gandulf, which was eventually anglicized to Ganford.

Ganfords in the United States are likely descended from James Ganford, who immigrated from Belchamp Otten, England in 1635. His great-grandson, Samuel Ganford, moved from Connecticut to New Jersey in 1722. From there, the family spread out across America, establishing roots in various states along the east coast.

By the 19th century, the Ganfords had spread further inland, particularly to Illinois and Indiana. It is here that the Ganford family has its largest concentration today, with recent settlers having arrived from all parts of the US.

As with so many other English surnames, the Ganfords were not always accorded positive treatment, especially in colonial America. Most of their problem was due to their religious beliefs, as they were often branded Dissenters or heretics for refusing to attend services in the Anglican Church. Over time, however, the name Ganford has developed a positive connotation and is now a emblem of hard work and determination, especially for families who can trace their history back to colonial days.

Variations of the surname Ganford

The surname Ganford is of English origin, stemming from the towns of Gainsford or Gainsford in Hertfordshire and Hampshire. The root of the name is derived from the Old Norse meaning ‘goose ford’.

Currently, the surname has several variants and spellings that are used around the world. In England, Ganford can also be spelled; Gainsford, Gainsfar, and Gansford. The additional spellings of this name are; Gainsforth, Gainsforuth, Gainsferth, Gaunceforth, Kundford, Kimesford, Kinsford, Kundforde, and finally Gansforde.

The surname is also commonly found in the United States, where the variants Gainsford, Gainford, Gainsforde, and Gansford can occur. The Americaized versions of this surname range from the more popular; Gainesford, Gainsfard, Gainsforde, Gainsfurt, Gansford, Gaumceford, Gaunceforth, to the more obscure such as; Ganceforth, Gaunceford, Gaunceforde, Gaunceforthe, in addition to Kinsford and Kundford.

Within the Irish diaspora, the name has morphed into several Anglicised variants; Gainsvard, Gainsford and Gansforth, but can also be found as Ganiseford, Ganniseford, Gaunseford, Gunceford and Kundford. Variants of this surname are also found in Scotland; Gainsfurd and Gancefurd, as well as Gaunceford and Gaunceforth.

The surname can also be found in many other foreign countries such as; Gainsfuerd in Germany, Gainsfuord in Denmark, Gancforest in France and Gánsföör in Sweden.

In total, there are currently over 20 variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, for the surname Ganford that can be found across the world.

Famous people with the name Ganford

• Robert Gansford:American actor best known for his roles in TV series like CSI: Miami, Prison Break and Transformers: The Last Knight.
• Si Gansford: British multi-discipline designer, specializing in product design, product engineering, marketing and branding.
• Harry Gansford: British actor who has appeared in numerous shows including EastEnders and Doctor Who.
• Stan Gansford: American inventor and software engineer, known for his pioneering work in the development of artificial neural networks.
• Arthur Gansford: British poet and playwright, and one of the founding members of the National Poetry Society.
• Dave Gansford: Former American tennis player, who was ranked #3 in 1985.
• Abigail Gansford: British actress and singer, best known for her role as Mercy Haverford in TV series Dracula.
• Justin Gansford: American pastor and motivational speaker, known for his inspirational messages and work with families and communities.
• John Gansford: Canadian artist, mainly focussing on painting and sculpting, with a variety of works displayed in various galleries and universities.
• Maria Gansford: Canadian creative consultant and event planner, who specializes in event productions and wedding planning.

Other surnames

Ganfort