Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Radford

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Red Ford or River Crossing

      Variations

      Bradford, Redford, Radferd
      The name Radford is of English origin and is etymologically derived from the combination of the Old English elements read, meaning red, and ford, referring to a river crossing. Thus, Radford can be interpreted to mean red ford or river crossing, suggesting a geographic feature often found in settings where the name might be applied. This name carries connotations of both natural landscapes and historical significance, reflecting the physical geography of many regions in England.

      Historically, the name Radford has appeared in various records dating back to medieval England. It was used to denote locations and families associated with river crossings, especially in areas where the waters were shallow enough to traverse. The name has been documented in several English counties, and it often served as a toponymic surname, indicating the origin of an individual or family based on their residence near a notable geographical feature. Over time, Radford evolved from a geographic descriptor to a hereditary surname, becoming associated with notable figures and local heritage.

      In contemporary times, Radford remains a recognizable name, both as a surname and in various place names across England and other English-speaking countries. It is also notably used in the name of Radford University in Virginia, USA, which adds modern significance to the name. Additionally, the ongoing use of Radford in various contexts—ranging from personal names to geographic identifiers—demonstrates its enduring legacy and relevance in today's society. The name retains an authoritative presence, symbolizing a connection to history while continuing to be embraced in modern discourse.

      Based on our records...

      Ellis

      Ellis

      This is the most common surname associated with Radford.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Radford.
      Radford

      Radford

      This is the most common name for a child of a Radford.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1912 is when there were the most people born with the first name Radford.

      Explore the origins of another name.