Surname Titford - Meaning and Origin
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Titford: What does the surname Titford mean?
The last name Titford is of English origin and is derived from a place-name. It originated from a place in East Riding of Yorkshire, located near the market town of Pocklington. Titford is a combination of two Olde English words - "tyddew" meaning "tithe", and "ford" meaning "ford".
In medieval England, tithes were a form of taxation that households were expected to pay to the local church or parish. The tithe was paid in order to support the priest and his ministry, and to maintain church buildings and the parish grounds. Thus, the surname Titford likely refers to someone who lived near or at a ford where tithes were paid.
The family bearing the surname Titford is thought to have played an important role in the region, and in some cases, even held authority. After the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the Titfords were granted the right to receive yearly payments, as a result of their loyalty to aristocracy.
Within the United Kingdom, the Titfords are just one of fifteen surnames in the East Riding region that are derived from place-names. The Titfords are thought to have had something to do with the church in some respect, be it a tithe collector or a priest. The surname is a mark of the family's link to this historic and important place in England.
Order DNA origin analysisTitford: Where does the name Titford come from?
Titford is a surname of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Derbyshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. It can still be found in these locations, particularly around the small towns of Lichfield, Uttoxeter and Cannock, as well as the larger city of Birmingham.
The first mention of this surname dates back to 1275, when a Roger Titforde was granted the right to use the lands of Greseleye, in what is now known as Derbyshire. While the Titford surname almost certainly has its roots in Derbyshire, it is believed to have spread to Shropshire, Staffordshire and other English counties over the centuries, likely due to migration.
The Titford name is also common in other parts of the UK and beyond, primarily through immigration or emigration. For example, there are Titfords in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and other countries where British immigrants and their descendants now reside.
Whatever region the Titfords find themselves in today, their name still carries a special significance. Aside from being a reflection of the historical events that shaped the British Isles, the name Titford also has a unique meaning, derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘woodland dweller’. This provides further evidence of the family’s historic roots.
Variations of the surname Titford
The surname Titford has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants of the surname are Tiford, Tifford, Tippard, and Tyford. These forms of the surname might have been used in different areas of the UK and adopted by different branches of the same family. This surname also has a few alternate spellings, such as Tipport, Teppet, and Tebbit.
The surname Titford is believed to have originated from the early English words "tit," meaning "child," and "ford," meaning "river crossing." It is also likely to be derived from the Olde English words "Tiht," meaning "dry" or "arid," and "ford," meaning "river crossing."
The ancestry of this surname can be traced back to several different countries around the world. In England, it can be found in records from the 13th century and is most commonly found in the area of Yorkshire. The Titford name is also found in parts of the United States, most notably in the state of Massachusetts.
Other surnames of the same origin include Tift, Tibbitt, Tibbot, Tibbets, and Titcomb. All of these surnames can be derived from the same early English root words, indicating that they were likely used by different branches of the same family.
With so many different spelling variations and countries of origins, it is likely that the Titford surname has long roots and a large family tree. Regardless of its various incarnations, it is a surname with an intriguing history and many branches.
Famous people with the name Titford
- Kev Titford: English actor best known for playing Denis in the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine
- Wendy Titford: Canadian politician who is currently serving on the London City Council
- John Titford: British politician, member of the UK Independence Party
- Lt. Cdr. Kenneth J. Titford: British-born Australian serviceman during World War II
- Margaret Titford: granddaughter of British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson
- Leonard Titford: British professional footballer who played for Sheffield United
- Karen Titford: British singer and creator of the band Punch The Sky
- Gordon Titford: former English rugby union player
- Graham Titford: gynaecology consultant at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Sarah Titford: British actress, best known for her role in the popular British comedy series Absolutely Fabulous