Show ContentsPulfer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the Pulfer surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived in the parish of Pulford, in Cheshire, a few miles from the City of Chester. The place-name is derived from the Old English words pul or pol, which mean pool, and ford, which is a place where a river may be crossed by wading. The place-name as a whole means "river crossing near a pool." The place-name was recorded as Pulford in the Domesday Book, 1 compiled in 1086. The surname means "one who comes from Pulford," or alternatively "dweller by the river crossing where there is a pool."

Early Origins of the Pulfer family

The surname Pulfer was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Pulfer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pulfer research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1190 is included under the topic Early Pulfer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pulfer Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Pulfer include Pulford, Pullford and others.

Early Notables of the Pulfer family

More information is included under the topic Early Pulfer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Pulfer family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: William Pulford, who arrived in Barbados in 1664; Robert Pulforth, who arrived in Maryland in 1681; Brian Pulford, who came to Virginia in 1697; Thomas Pulford, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1751.



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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