Forde is an English surname derived from Old Norse 'Forth', meaning 'ford'. It originally referred to someone who lived near a river crossing, or was employed as a ferryman. The name has been established in England since the Norman Conquest of 1066, with early records including 'William de la Ford' listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. The surname Forde is now primarily associated with areas in the north of England, particularly Northumberland and Yorkshire.
"In 1950, there were five babies named Forde."