"broad ford, wide river crossing"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Bradford
Pronunciation: [ br-ADF-erd ]
Does Bradford flow with your last name?
A sturdy English name with founding father roots
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American
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Bradford
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"place by the wide ford"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon place name
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Bradford
Bradford is an Old English place name meaning 'broad ford' — a wide, shallow crossing point on a river. Combining 'brad' (broad, wide) and 'ford' (a shallow crossing), it was the name of several English towns, most notably Bradford in West Yorkshire. As a given name, Bradford carries the sturdy, grounded quality of English place-name surnames.
Bradford has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the colonial era, particularly in New England where Puritan settlers honored the Bradford family — notably William Bradford, governor of Plymouth Colony. It remains a moderately used traditional name, more common in the American South and Midwest.
William Bradford (1590-1657) was one of the most important figures in early American history, governing Plymouth Colony for 30 years and writing 'Of Plymouth Plantation,' one of the earliest important works of American literature. The name carries this founding-era American legacy.
Historical Record
Bradford first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 27,130 babies have been named Bradford in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bradford is past its peak , currently ranked #3,012 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- William Bradford served as governor of Plymouth Colony 30 times between 1622 and 1656
- Bradford, England was once the world capital of the wool trade in the 19th century
Bradford in Other Languages
French
Bradford
German
Bradford
Spanish
Bradford
Popularity Over Time
#3,012
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1953
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Bradford
W
William Bradford
Politician
1590
Governor of Plymouth Colony for 30 years; author of 'Of Plymouth Plantation,' a founding document of American literature
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Compare Bradford with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,012
- Total SSA Count
- 41
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Brad
Ford
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bradford
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Bradford is also used as a girl name, ranked #64673.
View Bradford as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford
What does the name Bradford mean?
"broad ford, wide river crossing" (from Old English). "place by the wide ford" (from Anglo-Saxon place name). Bradford is an Old English place name meaning 'broad ford' — a wide, shallow crossing point on a river. Combining 'brad' (broad, wide) and 'ford' (a shallow crossing), it was the name of several English towns, most notably Bradford in West Yorkshire. As a given name, Bradford carries the sturdy, grounded quality of English place-name surnames.
What is the origin of the name Bradford?
Bradford has Old English, Anglo-Saxon place name, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "broad ford, wide river crossing". In Anglo-Saxon place name, it means "place by the wide ford".
Is Bradford a boy or girl name?
Bradford is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3012. As a girl name, it is ranked #64673. Bradford is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Bradford?
Bradford is pronounced br-ADF-erd.
How popular is the name Bradford?
Bradford is currently ranked #3012 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bradford?
Common nicknames for Bradford include Brad and Ford.
What are good middle names for Bradford?
Popular middle name pairings include Bradford James, Bradford William, Bradford Scott, Bradford Lee, Bradford Allen, and Bradford Thomas.
What are good sibling names for Bradford?
Names that pair well with Bradford as siblings include Harrison, Eleanor, Prescott, Charlotte, Sutton, and Georgina.
How many syllables does Bradford have?
Bradford has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bradford a common or rare name?
Bradford is an uncommon name, ranked #3012 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Bradford?
About the Name Bradford
Bradford is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "broad ford, wide river crossing" in Old English .
Is Bradford a boy or girl name? Bradford is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,012 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #64,673. Bradford is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bradford is currently ranked #3,012 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Bradford has 2 syllables and is pronounced br-ADF-erd, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bradford include Brad and Ford. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Bradford include Brady, Bradley, Braden, Bradlee, Brad . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis