Surname Eckford - Meaning and Origin
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Eckford: What does the surname Eckford mean?
The last name Eckford is of English origin, and is derived from the Old English word “eicce”, which means “oak tree”. It was originally used as a topographic name for someone who lived by or near an oak tree. It was also used as a surname to indicate someone's occupation, such as a wood cutter or a joiner who worked with oak wood. Over time, this occupational name evolved into the surname Eckford.
The Eckford family has a long and colourful history, stretching back hundreds of years. They have made their mark in various fields and have been involved in important events in history. Most notably, the most famous member of this family is Elizabeth Eckford, who was one of the few African American students to attend a segregated high school in Little Rock, Arkansas during the Civil Rights Movement. Her courage and determination remain an inspiration for those who are pursuing their dreams in the face of opposition.
The Eckford family are great innovators, entrepreneurs, pioneers, soldiers and rebels. They have shaped and impacted our culture, our society and our world in ways that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisEckford: Where does the name Eckford come from?
The last name Eckford is an Anglo-Saxon surname that is still relatively common today, especially in the United Kingdom and parts of the former British Empire such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
In the UK, England is the county with the highest number of people with this surname and is where it is thought to have originated. The earliest records have been found in the East Riding of Yorkshire, which is where the earliest known ancestor lived in the 15th century. This suggests that the family was already well-established in the region by that time.
In America, the name is relatively uncommon, but still can be found in some parts of the country. According to the US Census Bureau, the states with the most Eckford family members include New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, California, and North Carolina. In addition to the United States, Eckford families can also be found in Canada and Australia.
Finally, the name Eckford is also widespread in continental Europe. It is particularly common in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The French name for the family is often spelled “Eckfordeau”. The name is also found in smaller numbers in several other countries including Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Spain.
Variations of the surname Eckford
The surname Eckford has its roots in both English and Germanic origin. It is created from the Old English personal name "Ecola" which means 'edge of the forest.' The family first settled in Scotland in the 1100s, where the name was divided into several spelling variations such as Ecforth, Eckford, Ekford, Eekford and Ekforth.
In early Scotland, there was also a mediaeval English term for forest dwelling people, 'Ekke'. This had given further inclusion to flowing variants of the name such as Ikeforde, Eakeford and Echeford.
By the mid-1700s, German immigrants had begun to make their way to Scotland and those named Eckford or similar variations of the name had their surname smoothed to Eckert. This ultimately became the German variation for the surname.
In more modern times, the surname has morphed yet further and adapted for various countries and linguistic backgrounds. For instance, in the Netherlands, the name has become Eikfort, ekol and Ekkol, while in Poland it has evolved into Eckolt and Ekert.
Therefore, the variants, spelling and surnames of the same origin for the surname Eckford include: Ecforth, Eckert, Ikeforde, Eakeford, Echeford, Eikfort, Ekol, Ekkol, Eckolt, Ekert and Ekforth.
Famous people with the name Eckford
- Christine Eckford: a transgender musician, actor, and LGBTQIA+ rights activist.
- Rosalinde Eckford: Singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.
- Charles Ross Eckford: 19th century American officer in the Black Regiment of the Continental Army.
- Thomas P. Eckford: 19th century American politician and governor of Kentucky.
- Richard Gordon Eckford: American businessman, philanthropist, and noted mining investor.
- Ivor Eckford: English cricketer.
- Michael Eckford: Canadian broadcaster and television personality.
- Elizabeth Eckford: civil rights figure who was one of the 'Little Rock Nine'.
- Lily Ann Eckford: composer of the song 'True Love's Journey'.
- James Harrison Eckford: 19th century American stage actor and performing member of the National Acrobats troupe.