NameCensus.

UK surname

Redford

Habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "red ford," referring to a river crossing with reddish water or soil.

In the 1881 census there were 1,612 people recorded with the Redford surname, ranking it #2,650 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 1,991, ranked #3,236, down from #2,650 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Eccles and Manchester. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Errol and Inchture, Northumberland and East Lindsey.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Redford is 2,087 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 23.5%.

1881 census count

1,612

Ranked #2,650

Modern count

1,991

2016, ranked #3,236

Peak year

1998

2,087 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Redford had 1,612 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,650 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 1,991 in 2016, ranked #3,236.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,049 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Redford surname distribution map

The map shows where the Redford surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Redford surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Redford over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,293 #2,218
1861 historical 1,721 #1,673
1881 historical 1,612 #2,650
1891 historical 1,880 #2,449
1901 historical 1,873 #2,813
1911 historical 2,049 #2,436
1997 modern 2,028 #3,025
1998 modern 2,087 #3,054
1999 modern 2,085 #3,078
2000 modern 2,031 #3,128
2001 modern 2,009 #3,102
2002 modern 2,007 #3,163
2003 modern 1,944 #3,189
2004 modern 1,932 #3,202
2005 modern 1,904 #3,213
2006 modern 1,899 #3,237
2007 modern 1,907 #3,249
2008 modern 1,943 #3,213
2009 modern 2,017 #3,194
2010 modern 2,053 #3,202
2011 modern 1,997 #3,237
2012 modern 1,925 #3,291
2013 modern 1,946 #3,315
2014 modern 1,998 #3,261
2015 modern 2,000 #3,238
2016 modern 1,991 #3,236

Geography

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Where Redfords are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Eccles, Manchester, Horsham, Sullington and Bury (Walmersley and Tottington, Heap),Middleton (Birtle with Bamford, Pilsworth). These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Errol and Inchture, Northumberland, East Lindsey, Bury and Horsham. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 London parishes London 3
2 Eccles Lancashire
3 Manchester Lancashire
4 Horsham, Sullington Sussex
5 Bury (Walmersley and Tottington, Heap),Middleton (Birtle with Bamford, Pilsworth) Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Errol and Inchture Perth and Kinross
2 Northumberland 023 Northumberland
3 East Lindsey 017 East Lindsey
4 Bury 015 Bury
5 Horsham 006 Horsham

Forenames

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First names often paired with Redford

These lists show first names that appear often with the Redford surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Redford

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Redford, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Redford surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Redford household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Redford is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Redford is most concentrated in decile 9 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

9
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Redford falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Redford is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Redford, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Redford

The surname Redford has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is a locational name, derived from the place name "Redford," which means "the red ford" or "the ford across the red-colored stream." This name likely originated in areas where there were fords across rivers or streams with reddish-hued water or soil.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Redeford." This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, was a survey of land and property ownership in England.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various forms, such as "Radeford," "Radford," and "Redeford," reflecting the variations in spelling and pronunciation common in those times. Some records from this period include a Robert de Redeford, mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1202, and a Walter de Radford, recorded in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire in 1272.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the name continued to appear in various records, including the Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire in 1379, which listed a John Redford. Another notable individual from this period was John Redford (c. 1500 - c. 1547), an English composer and organist who served in the Chapel Royal under Henry VIII.

In the 16th century, the name was well-established in various regions of England, with notable bearers including John Redford (c. 1530 - 1585), an English Catholic martyr who was executed during the reign of Elizabeth I for his religious beliefs.

As the centuries passed, the Redford name spread to different parts of the British Isles and beyond. One notable figure from the 18th century was William Redford (1757 - 1833), an English architect and surveyor who designed several notable buildings in London.

In the 19th century, the Redford surname gained prominence with individuals such as John Redford (1804 - 1861), an English artist and engraver, and William Redford (1839 - 1923), an Australian politician and member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

Throughout its history, the surname Redford has been associated with various professions and achievements, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and contributions of its bearers.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Redford families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Redford surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 617 Redfords recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.30x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 617 3.30x
Middlesex 134 0.85x
Surrey 123 1.60x
Northumberland 107 4.57x
Sussex 81 3.05x
Lincolnshire 79 3.14x
Derbyshire 52 2.11x
Nottinghamshire 52 2.45x
Yorkshire 48 0.31x
Durham 41 0.88x
Cheshire 29 0.83x
Hampshire 26 0.81x
Kent 24 0.45x
Aberdeenshire 21 1.44x
Banffshire 21 6.43x
Essex 20 0.64x
Roxburghshire 18 6.31x
Oxfordshire 14 1.44x
Cumberland 12 0.89x
Wiltshire 12 0.86x
Glamorgan 10 0.36x
Gloucestershire 10 0.32x
Hertfordshire 10 0.92x
Berkshire 7 0.59x
Staffordshire 7 0.13x
Fife 5 0.54x
Leicestershire 5 0.29x
Norfolk 5 0.21x
Angus 4 0.27x
Monmouthshire 4 0.35x
Somerset 3 0.12x
Dorset 2 0.19x
Lanarkshire 2 0.04x
Shropshire 2 0.15x
Brecknockshire 1 0.32x
Cambridgeshire 1 0.10x
Kincardineshire 1 0.52x
Midlothian 1 0.05x
Perthshire 1 0.14x
Royal Navy 1 0.53x
Warwickshire 1 0.03x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Pilkington in Lancashire leads with 90 Redfords recorded in 1881 and an index of 126.81x.

Place Total Index
Pilkington 90 126.81x
Worsley 61 52.97x
Pendleton In Salford 54 24.26x
Lambeth 37 2.70x
Cowpen 31 57.47x
Horsham 31 60.11x
Radcliffe 31 34.42x
Salford 30 5.46x
Earsdon 29 152.15x
Manchester 29 3.45x
Glossop Dale 22 19.06x
St Pancras London 21 1.66x
Barton Upon Irwell 18 12.80x
Ashton Under Lyne 17 4.16x
Deptford St Paul 17 4.10x
Warnham 17 296.17x
Little Bolton 16 6.66x
Ardwick 14 8.31x
Bedlington 14 17.90x
Lilliesleaf 14 361.76x
Stayley 13 32.72x
Bishopstone 12 180.72x
Chelsea London 12 2.53x
Habergham Eaves 12 7.03x
Westgate 12 8.27x
Great Bolton 11 4.45x
Hulme 11 2.82x
Neithrop 11 33.66x
Clerkenwell London 10 2.69x
Croydon 10 2.35x
Greasley 10 20.89x
Great Lever 10 50.45x
Hook 10 29.14x
Keith 10 28.72x
Mile End Old Town 10 4.02x
Oldham 10 1.66x
Westoe 10 3.77x
Bradford 9 2.38x
Brighton 9 1.68x
Dukinfield 9 5.60x
East Barnet 9 41.80x
East Ham 9 15.60x
Great Hale 9 235.60x
Hammersmith London 9 2.32x
Haydock 9 27.96x
Lower Beeding 9 127.66x
Mellor 9 134.33x
Putney 9 12.54x
Toxteth Park 9 1.42x
Tynemouth 9 7.17x
Battersea 8 1.38x
Berkeley Alkington 8 341.88x
Beswick 8 16.74x
Bury 8 3.75x
Camberwell 8 0.80x
Cardiff St John 8 8.93x
Droylsden 8 13.13x
Little Hulton 8 25.86x
Prestwich 8 17.16x
Scremby 8 860.22x
Turton 8 26.15x
Wavertree 8 13.38x
Bermondsey 7 1.49x
Branston 7 90.79x
Burnley 7 4.45x
Chorlton On Medlock 7 2.36x
Flimby 7 61.14x
Hasland 7 27.90x
Louth 7 12.13x
Nottingham St Mary 7 1.28x
Sculcoates 7 2.83x
St George Hanover 7 3.41x
St Marylebone London 7 0.83x
Sunderland 7 8.46x
Tyldesley Cum Shakerley 7 13.02x
West Derby 7 1.28x
Woodthorpe 7 158.73x
Algarkirk 6 214.29x
Royton 6 10.50x
St Giles 6 20.52x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Redford surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Redford surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 87
William 85
Thomas 75
George 66
James 52
Henry 24
Joseph 22
Charles 20
Robert 20
Samuel 20
Richard 19
Edward 18
Arthur 16
Walter 14
Alfred 13
Harry 10
Ernest 8
Robt. 7
Wm. 7
Daniel 6
Frank 5
Frederick 5
Albert 4
Fred 4
Geo. 4
Herbert 4
Josiah 4
Stephen 4
Denman 3
Edwin 3
Fredk. 3
Philip 3
Christopher 2
David 2
Earnest 2
Francis 2
Fredrick 2
Hand 2
Harrison 2
Jno. 2
Joel 2
Jos. 2
Lot 2
Percy 2
Peter 2
Reuben 2
Simeon 2
Thos. 2
W. 2
Walker 2

FAQ

Redford surname: questions and answers

How common was the Redford surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,612 people were recorded with the Redford surname. That placed it at #2,650 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Redford surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 1,991 in 2016. That gives Redford a modern rank of #3,236.

What does the Redford surname mean?

Habitational surname derived from a place name meaning "red ford," referring to a river crossing with reddish water or soil.

What does the Redford map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Redford bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.