Surname Stowford - Meaning and Origin
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Stowford: What does the surname Stowford mean?
The last name 'Stowford' is of English origin and is thought to be a geographical name derived from specific locations in England. The term 'Stow' usually refers to 'place' or 'meeting place' in Old English, while 'Ford' commonly refers to a shallow part in a river or stream where one can cross with ease. Therefore, Stowford would likely indicate a 'crossing place or a ford of a town'. Individuals with this surname likely had ancestors who lived by a ford or shallow crossing in a town, making it easier for individuals to locate their dwelling or trade in historic England. Names with geographical references like this were often used to identify where someone was from, especially important in times when populations were less mobile and communities smaller.
Order DNA origin analysisStowford: Where does the name Stowford come from?
The surname Stowford is most commonly found in England's Southwest today. It is most populous in Devon and Cornwall, where records show it has been present since the 12th century. The name has its origins in Old English and may be a combination of the words stow, meaning "dwelling," and ford, a place where a waterway could be crossed. There are other theories about the meaning behind the name, but most seem to support this assumption.
The Southwest region of England is a very traditional area, and many families in the region are said to be related by their shared Stowford surname. Other regions in England, including Somerset, Oxfordshire, and parts of the Welsh Borders, also have their fair share of Stowford descendents. The name can also be found in other areas of Britain, as well as abroad in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Stowford family are said to have been mainly involved in farming and fishing. It is thought that the name originated in the Devon fishing villages of St Mary's Hill and Hope Cove, where it would have been necessary to cross a stream, or ford, in order to reach the beach.
In modern times the surname Stowford is quite rare, but well-known Stowford descendents include British author H.E. Bates, and comedian Ray Stowford.
Variations of the surname Stowford
The surname Stowford can have a variety of different variants and spellings, as is common with English surnames. Stowford is most likely a locational surname derived from either Stowford in Devon or Stowford in Shropshire. The earliest recorded instance of the Stowford surname dates from 1273 and is found in the Hundred Rolls of Devonshire.
Variant spellings of the surname Stowford include Storford, Stofor, Stofard, Stoferd, Stofor, Stirford, Stoforr, and Stopford. Some variants of Stowford were influenced by local dialect, so the spelling could vary depending on the region in which it originated.
Surnames of the same origin as Stowford include Stawford, Stoffard, Stofferd, Stoferd, Stofford, Sopherd, and Stoffer. These surnames are usually derived from a corrupted form of Stowford, either through misspelling or by pronunciation changes caused by regional dialects.
Some of the earliest bearers of the name can be found in Staffordshire in the mid-13th century, where records indicate a John Stofor held land in the county. Later documents mentioned a Matilda Stawford in Yorkshire in 1379, a Richard Stoffard in Warwickshire in 1548, William Stoferd in Hampshire in 1500, and William Stoffer in Oxfordshire in 1564. These early records indicate that the spelling of the surname had already begun to vary widely by the end of the Middle Ages.
Throughout the centuries, the surname Stowford has been linked to many families across England, and its variants can still be found today.
Famous people with the name Stowford
- Max Stowford: Max Stowford is a British professional footballer who currently plays for League One side Bolton Wanderers.
- Rebecca Stowford: Rebecca Stowford is a British singer and songwriter who released her debut album in 2012.
- Bryan Stowford: Bryan Stowford is an English retired professional footballer who played as a defender and midfield playmaker.
- Tony Stowford: Tony Stowford is a former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Southport, Wigan Athletic and Morecambe.
- George Stowford: George Stowford is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played for clubs in the North West England.
- Richard Stowford: Richard Stowford is a British actor, known for his roles in the BBC television series 'Monarch of the Glen', and the film 'The Full Monty'.
- John Stowford: John Stowford is an English former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder for clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town.
- Amanda Stowford: Amanda Stowford is an English former beauty pageant contestant who represented her country at the Miss Universe 2007 pageant.
- Audrey Stowford: Audrey Stowford was an English actress best known for her roles in the British television series 'Minder' and 'The Upper Hand'.
- Peggy Stowford: Peggy Stowford was an English actress who appeared in a number of British films and television programmes, including The Saint and Porridge.