Ford Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ford come from? What does the surname Ford mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ford and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ford Origin: What does the last name Ford mean?
The surname Ford has various origins, with one common source being Old English and Middle English, derived from the term for a person who lived near a ford. It can also come from places named Ford in different regions such as Northumberland, Somerset, Shropshire, and West Sussex. Additionally, Ford can be an anglicised form of Irish surnames like Mac Giolla na Naomh and Mac Conshámha, or a translation of the German Fürth. Early records show instances of the surname as de la forda in the eleventh century and æt Fordan in the twelfth-century.
YourRoots data reveals that the Ford surname has a long history in England, dating back to the early 12th century. The name's presence expanded significantly in the United States from the 17th century onwards, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. The surname has also spread to various countries globally, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and Germany. Today, the Ford surname is prominent in multiple regions worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Ford Last Name History: Where did the last name Ford come from?
Origin of Ford Surname: Where does the last name Ford originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ford initially emerged in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 12th century. Please bear in mind that this data reflects only the exact "Ford" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Ford: What does the Ford surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚Äö"Ford" surname was closely tied to England (United Kingdom) from the 12th century through to the 15th century, according to the YourRoots data. The volume of records for the Ford family began to grow significantly in the United States from the 17th century, surpassing the frequency in the United Kingdom. Other countries also started reflecting the presence of the Ford surname during this period, indicating a global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ford surname today?
By the 19th century, the Ford surname's volume had grown considerably in the United States, surpassing the frequency in the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 20th century. The ‚Äö"Ford" surname is now prominent not only in the United States but also in several other countries worldwide. The data from YourRoots shows a significant presence of the Ford surname in various countries including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Explore Ford last name heritage and Ford surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ford Surame?
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford (born Jul 13, 1942) is an iconic American actor known for his roles in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. With a career spanning seven decades, Ford has received multiple awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for his role in Witness. Beyond acting, he is a licensed pilot and environmental activist. Ford continues to captivate audiences with his performances in films and TV series like 1923 and Shrinking.
Gerald Ford
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. (born Leslie Lynch King Jr.; July 14, 1913 – December 26, 2006) was the 38th president of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977. He became president after Richard Nixon's resignation and granted Nixon a controversial pardon for the Watergate scandal. Ford signed the Helsinki Accords and oversaw the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Despite losing the 1976 election to Jimmy Carter, Ford remains the only president who never won an election for president or vice president. Historians rank him as a below-average president, but public opinion on his presidency is more positive.
Henry Ford
Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was an American industrialist and business magnate known for founding the Ford Motor Company and revolutionizing the automobile industry. He introduced the iconic Ford Model T, making cars more affordable for middle-class Americans. Ford's innovations in manufacturing and business practices, like the franchise system, helped him become one of the wealthiest people in the world. He also advocated for consumerism and peace, but faced controversy for his antisemitic views. Despite his pacifism, his company supplied weapons during World War I. Ford's impact on transportation, industry, and labor practices continues to be felt today.
Doug Ford
Douglas Robert Ford Jr. (born Nov 20, 1964) is a Canadian politician and businessman who currently serves as the premier of Ontario. He co-owns Deco Labels and Tags with his brother and previously served as a Toronto city councillor. Ford has led the Progressive Conservative Party to multiple election victories and implemented various policies during his tenure. Known for his shift towards the political center in recent years, Ford continues to be a prominent figure in Canadian politics.
Louise Ford
Louise Victoria Ford is a British comedian and actress known for her roles in comedy television, including the children's sketch series Horrible Histories (2015–2018) and the show Crashing (2016). She graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2007. Ford has also portrayed a fictionalized version of Catherine, Princess of Wales in The Windsors (2016–present) and has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In her personal life, she was in a relationship with comedian James Acaster before starting a relationship with actor Rowan Atkinson, with whom she shares a daughter born in December 2017.
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