Gifford Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Gifford come from? What does the surname Gifford mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Gifford and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Gifford Origin: What does the last name Gifford mean?
The surname Gifford is of English origin, with records dating back to the early 11th century in the United Kingdom. It is believed to have derived from the Old French name "Giffard," meaning "chubby cheeks" or "round-faced." Over the centuries, the Gifford surname has been closely associated with the United Kingdom, with a notable presence in the United States since the 16th century. By the 17th century, the surname had spread to countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, establishing a global presence.
YourRoots data supports the historical prevalence of the Gifford surname in the United Kingdom and its subsequent expansion to other countries across the world. The surname's origins and history reflect a rich heritage that has transcended borders and continues to be prominent in various regions today.
Gifford Last Name History: Where did the last name Gifford come from?
Origin of Gifford Surname: Where does the last name Gifford originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Gifford first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Gifford” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Gifford: What does the Gifford surname history look like in the early days?
The “Gifford” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 11th through the 15th century. By the 16th century, YourRoots data shows Gifford family records began appearing frequently in the United States, indicating a shift in the surname's prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Gifford surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Gifford surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with a notable volume of records in the United States. The “Gifford” surname remains prominent in the United States and the United Kingdom. It appears in many countries, including but not limited to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Explore Gifford last name heritage and Gifford surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Gifford Surame?
Kathie Lee Gifford
Kathryn Lee Gifford (née Epstein; August 16, 1953 -) is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She co-hosted Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee from 1985 to 2000 and the fourth hour of NBC's Today show from 2008 to 2019. Gifford is known for her spiritual music and writings, winning a Daytime Emmy in 2010. She has a diverse heritage, with Jewish, Native American, French Canadian, German, and English roots. Gifford's career began on Name That Tune and Hee Haw Honeys before becoming a household name on Live! She continues to inspire with her uplifting themes and contributions to morning television.
Frank Gifford
Francis Newton Gifford (Aug 16, 1930 - Aug 9, 2015) was an American football player, actor, and Emmy Award-winning sportscaster. Known for his time with the New York Giants in the NFL, he won the NFL MVP Award in 1956 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Gifford also had a successful broadcasting career, most notably on ABC's Monday Night Football. Married to TV host Kathie Lee Gifford, he left a lasting legacy in both sports and entertainment.
Grace Gifford
Grace Evelyn Gifford Plunkett (Mar 4, 1888 – Dec 13, 1955) was an Irish artist and cartoonist known for her involvement in the Republican movement. She famously married Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol just hours before his execution for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Grace's talent for caricature was recognized early on, leading her to study under renowned artist William Orpen. Despite facing financial struggles, she continued to create art and support Sinn Féin policies. Grace's dedication to her beliefs and her artistic contributions during a tumultuous time in Irish history have solidified her legacy as a prominent figure in the fight for Irish independence.
Bertha Gifford
Bertha Alice Williams Graham Gifford (October 30, 1871 – August 20, 1951) was a farmwife in rural Missouri accused of murdering three locals and suspected in 15 more deaths. Some consider her America's fifth solo female serial killer. Despite being known for her cooking and care for the sick, suspicions arose after five deaths in her care. Arrested in 1928, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a psychiatric institution. A total of 17 people died under her care, raising questions about her intentions due to the common use of arsenic for medical purposes at the time.
Barry Gifford
Barry Gifford (born Oct 18, 1946) is an American author, poet, and screenwriter known for his distinctive mix of American landscapes and prose influenced by film noir and Beat Generation writers. He is best known for his Sailor and Lula series, which has been adapted into films and praised for its exploration of the American universe.
Gifford's work has garnered critical acclaim, with his novel Wild at Heart being adapted into a Palme d'Or-winning film by director David Lynch. He has also written poetry, essays, and non-fiction, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Gifford's unique style and storytelling have solidified his place in American literature.
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