Surname Gifford - Meaning and Origin

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Embarking on a journey with iGENEA to discover my lineage was an emotional ride of excitement, curiosity, and self-reflection. The in-depth analysis offered by iGENEA revolutionized my narrative, adding depth to my existence. The revelation of my ancestral line's strong affiliation with the surname 'Gifford' was profoundly impactful, indicating an intimate connection with an expansive familial history I never knew existed.

D. Gifford

Gifford: What does the surname Gifford mean?

The surname Gifford is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Gifheard". It is a combination of two words, "gifu" meaning "gift" or "benevolence" and "heard" meaning "hardy", "brave" or "strong." Thus, the name is often interpreted as "gifted ruler" or "brave giver". The name also has a topographical origin, referring to a person who lived near a place called Gifford, such as the villages by this name in East Lothian, Scotland or in Northumberland and Devon in England. These place names probably get their name from the Old Norse word "gjafar," meaning "high" or "steep," and "ford," a shallow area in a river or stream that can be crossed by wading, riding, or driving. So, alternatively, the surname could mean "one who lived near a steep ford." The spelling variations for the surname Gifford can include Giffard, Gifferd, and Giffart, among others. Notable people with the surname include American television host Kathie Lee Gifford and British criminal Ronnie Gifford.

Gifford: Where does the name Gifford come from?

The surname Gifford originates from France, specifically from the region of Normandy. It's believed to have been derived from the Germanic personal name "Gebhard", which is composed of the elements "geb" meaning "gift" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy".

Norman adventurers introduced this name to Britain following their triumph at the battle of Hastings in 1066. The Gifford family established a house in Warwickshire, England soon after their arrival. They later branched out to other areas including Wiltshire, Staffordshire, and Devon. The name is also linked to a Scottish clan, showing its presence in Scotland.

The surname has since spread and is not confined to Britain and Scotland only, but also found in other English speaking countries. Today, it is most common in the United States, followed by England. According to recent statistics, the majority of the Giffords are residing in the states of California, Texas, and Florida. In England, it is found frequently in the regions of South East, South West, and London.

Variations of the surname Gifford

The surname Gifford has a few possible variants and similar surnames due to regional changes, misspellings, pronunciation differences, and Anglicized versions. These variants and similar surnames include Giffard, Gyfford, Gifferd, Gefford, Gyffard, Gifforde, Giffordd, Jifford, Gofford, and Giffart.

The surname Gifford is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is commonly believed to be a geographical or locational surname, taken from the place called Gifford in East Lothian, Scotland, or from Giffords Hall in Suffolk, England. Over the years, the various surnames have evolved and some may have morphed into completely different surnames. Also, there may be other variations due to regional accents and how the surname was recorded at the time.

Although the above-mentioned surnames share the same origin, each surname has its own distinct history and evolution and may not necessarily indicate kinship. Additionally, in today’s world where migration and relocation are frequent, families might have changed or adapted their surnames based on their new home country’s language, culture, and customs.

Famous people with the name Gifford

• Kathie Lee Gifford: An American television host, singer, songwriter, and author, best known for her 15-year run on the talk show "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee."
• Frank Gifford: An American football player as well as a television sports commentator. He was married to Kathie Lee Gifford.
• Cassidy Gifford: Daughter of Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford, Cassidy is an American actress known for her roles in movies such as "The Gallows" and "God's Not Dead."
• Cody Gifford: The son of Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford, Cody is an American television producer and writer.
• Tom Gifford: An English professional rugby union player currently playing for the Northampton Saints in the English Premiership.
• Sue Grafton Gifford: The daughter of Frank and Sue Grafton, Sue is an American author known for her work in the detective genre.
• David Gifford: A computer scientist and pioneer in the field of distributed systems and databases.
• Barry Gifford: An American author, poet, and screenwriter known for his distinctive mix of American landscapes and prose influenced by film noir and Beat Generation writers.

Other surnames

Giffoniello