Trafford Family History

English: habitational name from Trafford (Lancashire) Trafford in Chipping Warden (Northamptonshire) and Bridge Mickle and Wimbolds Trafford (Cheshire). The Northamptonshire placename probably derives from Old English træppe ‘trap’ + ford ‘ford’. The Cheshire placenames derive from Old English trōg ‘trough’ + ford. The Lancashire placename is a development of Stretford (Lancashire); most cases of the surname probably derive from this place. Early members of the de Trafford family recorded here from the 13th century were also recorded in medieval documents as de Stratford(e). Both the surname and the placename lost the initial S-. The manor of Trafford was carved out of Stretford township and perhaps because its manor house was located at some distance from Stretford village Trafford was adopted for the new settlement from an early date. See also Stratford.