Mountford Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Mountford Origin:

England, France

Origins of Mountford:

This common surname is of French geographical origin from Montford-sur-Risle in Normandy, so called from the Olde French “mont,” which means a slope, and “fort,” which means strong and immovable. The surname from this origin was first listed in the Domesday Book, the named ancestor being a supporter of William the Champion who was given lands in England. One, Ralph de Munford shows in the 1159 “Pipe Rolls of Kent” and a Simon de Mumford in the 1242 “Fine Court Rolls of Kent.” It is also probable that the name is geographical from different hamlets called Montford, but these all have a French origin. In the “modern” phrase, the name spelled as Montford, Montfort, Mountford, Mountfort, Mumford and Mun(d)ford. In 1597, a John Mountford listed in the Oxford University Record, while William Momeforde noted in the record of St Margarets, Westminster, being named there in March 1546.

Variations:

More common variations are: Mountfordd, Mountfourd, Mounntford, Montford, Muntford, Mountfort, Montiford, Monteford, Monntford, Mountfird

England:

The surname Mountford first appeared in Warwickshire where the family claims descended from “Hugh de Montfort, son of Thurstan de Basternbergh, a Norman followed the Champion in 1066, and got for his services more than one hundred lordships in Kent, Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk.” Nicknamed “Hugh with a Beard,” he was the son of Thurstan de Bastenburgh.

The very first recording spelling of the family was shown to be that of Hugo de (of) Montford, dated about 1086, in the “Domesday Book.” It was during the time of King William 1 who was known to be the “The Conqueror,” dated 1066 – 1087. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. It came to be known as Poll Tax in England. Surnames all over the country began to develop, with unique and shocking spelling varietions of the original one.

Ireland:

Many of the people with surname Mountford had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.

United States of America:

Some of the people with the name Mountford who arrived in the United States in the 17th century included George and Thomas Mountford settled in Virginia in the year 1652. George Mountford, who landed in Virginia in the year 1652. Jane Mountford, who arrived in Virginia in the year 1657. Richard Mountford settled in Barbados in 1685.

Australia:

Some of the individuals with the surname Mountford who landed in Australia in the 19th century included George Mountford, Welsh prisoner from Pembroke, who shifted aboard the “Adamant” in March in the year 1821, settling in New South Wales, Australia. George James Mountford, English prisoner from London, who shifted aboard the “Asia” in October in the year 1824, settling in New South Wales, Australia. Thomas Mountford at the age of 26, arrived in South Australia in the year 1856 aboard the ship “Gomelza.”

New-Zealand:

Some of the population with the surname Mountford who arrived in New Zealand in the 19th century included Samuel Mountford at the age of 30, a potter, arrived in Otago aboard the ship “Dallam Tower” in 1875. Emma Mountford at the age of 28, arrived in Otago aboard the ship “Dallam Tower” in 1875. Annie E. Mountford at the age of 7, came to Otago aboard the ship “Dallam Tower” in 1875. Edmund Mountford at the age of 2, came to Otago aboard the ship “Dallam Tower” in 1875.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Mountford: England 3,845; United States 941; Australia 893; South Africa 493; Canada 329; Argentina 254; Scotland 203; New Zealand 130; Malaysia 101; Wales 90.

Notable People:

Harry Mountford (born 1886), was an English football player.

James Mountford was a 19th-century football player.

John Mountford (born 1948), is a British television manager and former broadcaster.

John Mountford (Australian politician) (born 1933), was an Australian leader.

Kali Mountford (born 1954), is a British Labour Party leader and MP for Colne Valley from 1997 to 2010.

Ken Mountford was a New Zealand rugby league player who represented his country.

Margaret Mountford was a British advocate, businesswoman and TV celebrity known for her role in The Apprentice.

Peter Mountford (footballer) (born 1960), is an English football player.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (Fuwell, co. Norfolk). Ar. three fleurs-de-lis gu. Crest—A fleur-de-lis gu.
2) (London; allowed at Visit. 1568). Same Arms, a martlet for diff.
3) (co. Norfolk). Ar. on a chief az. two fleurs-de-lis of the first.
4) (co. Norfolk). Or, three garbs gu.
5) (co. Norfolk). Gu. three garbs or.
6) (Radwinter, co. Stafford, and co. Warwick). Bendy of ten or and az. Crest—A lion’s head couped az.
7) (co. Sussex). Or, four bendlets az.
8) (co. Warwick). Bendy of six or and az. a border gu.
9) (co. Warwick). Ar. two bars gu. a bend az.
10) (quartered by Willoughby, of Willoughby-upon-Wold, Risley and Wollaton, co. Notts. Visit. Notts, 1614). Bendy of eight or and az.
11) (Kelnhurst, co. York). Ar. a lion ramp. az. betw. ten crosses crosslet fitchée gu. a bordure erm. Crest—A talbot’s head sa. ducally gorged and eared or.
12) (co. York; granted 18 Feb. 1602). Ar. a lion ramp. tail double queued az. an orle of crosses crosslet gu. Crest—A talbot’s head sa. ducally gorged or.
13) Ar. a lion ramp. gu. tail queued.
14) Ar. crusily a lion ramp. sa. a chief gu.
15) Barry of twelve or and az.
16) Ar. on a chief az. three fleurs-de-lis or.
17) Sa. three fleurs-de-lis ar.
18) (Beamhurst Hall, co. Stafford; claiming descent from Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester). Bendy or and az. Crest—A plume of five feathers.
19) (Sapworth). Same Arms, a border gu.
20) (Fuwell, co. Norfolk). Ar. three fleurs-de-lis gu. Crest—A fleur-de-lis gu.