Halford

Halford is both a surname of English origin and a place name in the United Kingdom. It derives from Old English elements halh or holh meaning a hollow or recess and ford meaning a river crossing, typically indicating someone who lived near such a crossing or a settlement by a stream.

Notable people with the surname include Rob Halford (born 1951), an English singer who is the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Judas Priest. Another example is Sir Henry Halford (1766–1844), an English physician who served as physician to the royal family and held the title of royal physician.

Geographically, Halford refers to a village in the Melton district of Leicestershire, England. The village is part of the broader English toponymic practice of naming places after natural features such as hollows and river crossings.

In modern usage, Halford may be confused with Halfords, a well-known UK retailer that sells car parts, cycling equipment, and related services. The two terms are distinct in spelling and meaning, but their similarity can lead to misassociation in everyday references.

Overall, Halford appears in both personal names and place-names in England, with Rob Halford as the most widely recognized contemporary figure bearing the surname.