Surname Oxford - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Oxford: What does the surname Oxford mean?
The surname Oxford is of English origin and has geographical roots. It's derived from "Oxanforda," an old English term that translates to "ford of the oxen". This refers to a shallow part in a river or stream that allowed oxen to cross. The name was originally given to people who lived near such a location. Gradually, it became associated with the city of Oxford in England, which is known for its prestigious university, the University of Oxford. So, the surname Oxford could also suggest a connection or lineage from this city. As a surname, it may not only indicate an ancestral link to the area but could also reflect the occupation or status of the family when surnames were first introduced. However, the specific interpretation can vary greatly depending on historical and family contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisOxford: Where does the name Oxford come from?
The last name Oxford is common today, particularly in the United Kingdom. Records show that Oxford was first found in Oxfordshire, a historic county in the south of England. Oxford is thought to be either a topographical name for a person who lived near an oxen ford, or a habitational name from any of the places in the UK named with the Old English pre 7th century word "oxnford".
In modern times, Oxford can be found in most counties across England as well as parts of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It remains one of the most commonly used surnames in the United Kingdom today.
Oxford can also be found in small concentrations in the United States and other parts of the world. It is likely that this surname was brought over to America by settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also possible that some with the surname of Oxford had it changed from a previous name by immigration officers.
Overall, the last name Oxford is quite common. It has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages in the United Kingdom and has since spread to other parts of the world. Today it can be found in many countries, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Oxford
The surname Oxford is derived from the small city of Oxford in England. Variations of this surname include Oxforth, Oxfurd, Oxforde, and Oxfurde. Oxfordshire is an English county located around the town of Oxford, and variations of this name are Óxfordsciír, Owenscyr, and Oxtonsyire.
The variations of the surname Oxford can be traced back to the 11th century when it first appeared as a place name in 11th century England. One of the earliest records of the name was in 1153 when William de Oxenford was listed as a witness in the Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire.
The surname has also been known to be found in other countries. In Scotland, the Chesterford form is found; in Germany, the surname can be found as Ofenford, Offenfort, and Oxenburg; in Italy, the surname Offenforte; in Poland, it is known as Oksford; and in Russia, Oksford can be found.
The surname has also been anglicized in various ways, often shortened to Oford or Ox. Other spellings and variations are Oxfray, Offord, Ofurd, Oxie, Offard, and Oxbard.
Overall, the surname Oxford is quite a versatile one and has many variations when it comes to spellings and surnames. It’s interesting how this single name has been changed in different countries and regions thanks to the influences of different languages and cultures.
Famous people with the name Oxford
- Al Oxford: American actor
- Jerry Oxford: American professional wrestler
- Mark Oxford: English cricketer
- Tom Oxford: English footballer
- Joe Oxford: American professional volleyball player and coach
- Joe Oxford-Chamberlain: English actor
- Stuart Oxford: American physicist and educator
- Leslie Oxford: Canadian actress
- Thomas Oxford: English actor
- Theodore Oxford: American singer-songwriter
- Paul Oxford: English footballer
- Brett Oxford: American actor
- Frederick Oxford: Canadian actor
- Jimmy Oxford: American actor
- Dane Oxford: American actor
- Howard Oxford: American actor
- John Oxford: English microbiologist