Origin and Meaning of the Redford Name
The Redford name is of English and Scottish origin, typically derived from place names meaning "the ford where reeds grow" or "the crossing by the red hill." It is a habitational surname, with early records found in counties such as Derbyshire and Angus. The name has been documented in British census records and genealogical databases for centuries, reflecting its deep roots in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In modern usage, the Redford surname appears in public records, business registrations, and professional directories across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is not among the top 100 most common surnames in the U.S., but it is recognized in multiple industries, including entertainment, finance, and technology. The name’s etymology is well-supported by historical onomastic sources and linguistic studies of British place names.
Notable Entities and Companies Associated with the Redford Name
Robert Redford, the American actor and filmmaker, is the most prominent individual associated with the name, having founded the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, which has grown into a major global platform for independent cinema. The Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization, reports significant annual revenues and supports thousands of filmmakers through labs, grants, and its flagship festival in Park City, Utah.
Beyond entertainment, the Redford name appears in various business and financial contexts. Companies and LLCs registered with the surname exist in sectors such as real estate, consulting, and technology. Public filings and business databases show that entities with the Redford name operate across multiple U.S. states, with some registered as private limited companies in the United Kingdom. The name also appears in professional services and advisory firms, though it is not tied to a single dominant financial institution.
Financial and Public Record Context for the Redford Name
In financial and legal databases, the Redford name is indexed in SEC EDGAR filings, corporate registries, and property records. Searches for the name in public financial disclosures reveal associations with private companies, investment vehicles, and nonprofit organizations. These records are accessible through official databases and are used for due diligence, compliance, and research purposes.
Key Data Points and Accessibility
The Redford name is searchable in major business and financial databases, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR system and international corporate registries. Public records show that individuals and entities with this name have filed patents, trademarks, and business registrations in the United States and Europe. For detailed filings, users can access the SEC EDGAR database directly through its official website.
Genealogical and demographic data for the Redford surname is available through public record aggregators and national archives. These sources provide frequency statistics, migration patterns, and occupational data for bearers of the name. The data is compiled from census records, voter rolls, and other public documents, offering a factual basis for understanding the name’s distribution and historical usage.