Surname Lydford - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Lydford: What does the surname Lydford mean?
The last name Lydford is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words ‘lid’ and ‘ford’, meaning ‘ford by the track’. This surname likely came from a geographical area where a small path crossed a shallow river.
The surname primarily appears in England and is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 in the area that is now known as Devon. The early recordings of this name show it to be a locative name; an area name derived from a geographical landmark. It is a particularly common surname in Devon and Somerset, though it can be found throughout other counties in England.
The surname has alternate spellings, including Lyford and Lifford. The spelling of the name could have been changed by the manorial registrar, or by the individual recording the name at the time.
The modern day Lydfords may not have much of a connection to the place from which the surname originated, but the name still carries an air of history. It encompasses thousands of years of history and culture, invoking a time in the past when narrow tracks ran through a peaceful landscape.
Order DNA origin analysisLydford: Where does the name Lydford come from?
The last name Lydford is primarily found in the United Kingdom, and is most commonly located in the area of Devon, where it has been found since the twelfth century. According to records, the name is believed to have been derived from the Old English words for "ford by a river" and is thought to have originated in the area of Devon known as Lydford.
The population of Lydford has declined throughout the years, but the name has remained relatively popular and is still common in certain areas of the South West of England. It has even spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, such as Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
In addition, Lydford is the name of many villages located in Britain, specifically in Scotland and England, with some of the most famous being located in the Cotswolds region of England. Each Lydford is unique and has been home to some of the oldest and most historic monuments since the early ancient days.
The name Lydford is even used in America, with a relatively small population of individuals carrying the name in various parts of the United States.
Overall, the name Lydford is still quite common in various places throughout the world, with a majority of it being located in the UK. Although the population in Lydford is declining, the name remain popular and is still used by many families around the world.
Variations of the surname Lydford
The surname Lydford is most commonly spelled Lydford, but there are a variety of other spellings, from alternative spellings to other surnames of similar origin.
Lydford is a locational surname, derived from places called Lydfords which can be found in the southwest of England, particularly around Devon, and in North Wales. Variations of the name include Lidford, Lydeard, Lideard, Lideford, Lutford, Ledford, and Leedford.
Variations of the surname due to dialect and regional differences includeLidthford, Lyteford, Luxford, Lightford, and Lifford.
Surnames of similar origin which are often confused with Lydford include Leyford, Winford, Windford, Widford, Redford, and Leford.
The surname Lydford can also be found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Variations of the surname in these countries include Lidford, Ludford, Lethford, and Laudford.
The surname Lydford dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from Old English words meaning “lid” (flowing water) and “ford” (river crossing). The surname implies that the family originated from a ford located near a stream.
Famous people with the name Lydford
- Norman Lydford: British Army Officer who served in World War II and the Korean War.
- Walt Lydford: English former footballer most notable for his time at Crystal Palace in the 1970s.
- John Lydford: English composer and former organist at King's College Cambridge.
- Jonathan Lydford: English businessperson who founded the charity, Global Giving.
- Anne Lydford: English actress known for roles in British television and theatre.
- William Lydford: English baron who served as High Sheriff of Devonshire in 1676.
- Fred Lydford: British pilot who was a member of the Royal Air Force during World War II.
- George Lydford: English footballer who played in the early 1900s for teams such as Stockport County and Manchester City.
- Martin Lydford: Retired British Army Officer who served in The Falklands War.
- John Lydford: English politician and former House of Commons MP for the Borough of Aldborough from 1640 to 1648.