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Definition of sanford
sanford
/ˈsæn.fɚd/
San · ford
Plural:Sanfords
sanford Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
6
Tier
3
Usage
Top 10k
• 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
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 Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sanford