Stafford etymology

Etymology and Meaning of Stafford

Stafford is a surname and place name with multiple possible etymologies, all of which are of Old English origin:

1. "Fortified Ford"

• Stafford < Old English Stafford (place name)
• Stafford < Old English stæf "staff" + ford "ford"
• This etymology suggests that Stafford was a settlement located at a ford that was guarded or defended by a "staff" or fortification.

2. "Estate on the Stour"

• Stafford < Old English Staford (place name)
• Staford < Old English Staforda "ford on the Stour"
• Staforda < stæf "staff" indicating a stake or post + -ford "ford" indicating a shallow crossing + -a diminutive suffix
• This etymology refers to a ford located on the River Stour in England.

3. "Place of the Staff"

• Stafford < Old English Stafford (place name)
• Stafford < Old English stæf "staff" + -ford indicating a place where something stood or was planted
• This etymology suggests that Stafford was a settlement where a staff or symbol was placed, possibly marking a boundary or boundary.

Origin

The surname Stafford originated as a toponymic surname, meaning that it was taken from the place name Stafford. Individuals who lived in or near the town of Stafford or who were associated with the Stafford family (which held the title Earl of Stafford) adopted the surname Stafford.

The place name Stafford can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period of English history. The earliest known mention of Stafford appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in the year 704 AD, where it is recorded as "Stafford".

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