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Definition of sanford

sanford

/ˈsæn.fɚd/
San · ford
Plural:Sanfords
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sanford Lexical Profile

• noun

1

An English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, originally designating individuals who lived near a sandy river crossing.

Example

"Professor Sanford is leading the new archaeological excavation in the valley."

2

American A city in central Florida, located along the southern shore of Lake Monroe at the head of navigation on the St. Johns River.

3

American A city in central North Carolina, historically recognized as a major center for brick manufacturing.

• Nearby Words

sandyx
sane
sanely
sanford
sangay
sangha
sangha river

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from an Old English place name meaning 'sandy ford', combining 'sand' and 'ford'. It originated as a habitational surname for families living near such a river crossing.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sanford. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sanford
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