Langford

Langford is an English surname of topographic origin, derived from any of the various places in England named Langford. The place name comes from Old English lang "long" and ford "ford, river crossing", meaning "long ford".

Etymology

The surname has two main origins according to Wiktionary. Most instances derive from Old English lang + ford, referring to a long river crossing. However, the village in Nottinghamshire may derive from an Old English personal name *Landa combined with ford.

Distribution

There are at least five villages in England named Langford, including those in Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Nottinghamshire. The surname is common in England and its former colonies, particularly the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname Langford include:

• Sam Langford (1886–1956), Canadian boxer
• Frances Langford (1913–2005), American singer and actress
• David Langford, British author and critic
• Jon Langford (born 1957), Welsh musician and artist

Related Names

The given name descendant Lanford is an English variant of Langford, formed by altering the spelling.

• Meaning: Long ford
• Origin: Old English
• Type: Surname (locative)
• Usage: English