The surname Lankford is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name 'Langfrið', which consists of two elements: 'lang', meaning 'long', and 'friþ', signifying 'peace'. The name was brought to America by early settlers, with some records dating back to the 17th century. Today, Lankford is primarily found in the southern states of the U.S., reflecting its historic settlements.
The name Lankford appears to have had some popularity during the early to mid-20th century, with peak years being around 1921-1923 and 1944-1946. However, it's notable that there were no recorded births for this name in any other years between 1914 and 1946, suggesting a fluctuating popularity over time. In total, there were 61 babies named Lankford born during these years.