Show ContentsWelford History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Welford surname and its variations are habitation names that have been taken on from Welford in Berkshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, and Northamptonshire. These place names are generally derived from the Old English "welig," meaning "willow," or "well," denoting "a spring," combined with "ford." [1] [2]

Most of the parishes date back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when they were known as Waliford (Berkshire), Wellesford (Northamptonshire) and Welleford Warwickshire. [3]

Interestingly of the three parishes, the Berkshire parish is the oldest dating back to Saxon times in 949 when it was known as Weligforda. [4]

Early Origins of the Welford family

The surname Welford was first found in Somerset where Roger de Wellesford was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. [5] Richard de Welleford was registered in London temp. Edward II, according to the Placita de Quo Warranto. [1]

Early History of the Welford family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Welford research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1461, 1606 and 1650 are included under the topic Early Welford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Welford Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Welford, Wellford, Welsford, Wellsford and others.

Early Notables of the Welford family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was


United States Welford migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Welford Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Robert Welford, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1805

Contemporary Notables of the name Welford (post 1700) +

  • Walter Welford (1868-1952), English-born, American politician, 20th Governor of North Dakota (1935-1937), 17th Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota (1935)
  • Nancy Welford (1904-1991), British-born American actress in the early sound film era
  • Colin Welford (b. 1967), English composer for stage and screen, conductor, orchestrator and music director
  • James William Welford (1869-1945), English cricketer and footballer
  • Ross Welford, English children's science-fiction/fantasy author, born in Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear
  • Walter Thompson Welford FRS (1916-1990), British physicist who specialized in optics
  • Tiffany Welford (b. 1985), Australian professional tennis player
  • Rodney Jon "Rod" Welford (b. 1958), Australian businessman and politician, Chairman and CEO of Ensight, former Minister for Education (2005-2009)


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  5. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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