Bradford Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

The name Bradford has its origins in Old English, meaning 'broad river crossing.' It has evolved through various forms and is associated with a strong and stable image. There is no significant biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the 19th century alongside the industrial growth of Bradford, England.

The name Bradford is most popular in Massachusetts, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Bradford has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Bradford' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 738th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 548th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 305th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 328th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 494th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1382nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2367th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 12526th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11870th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 27321st out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Bradford' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bradford"

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Pronunciation

/ˈbræd.fərd/

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Origin

Old English

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Etymology

The name Bradford is derived from the Old English words 'brad' meaning broad and 'ford' meaning river crossing. It originally referred to a broad river crossing.

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Meaning

broad river crossing

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Language Evolution

Bradford (Modern English), Bradford (Middle English), Bradeford (Old English)

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Historical Usage

Bradford gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, influenced by the rise of the industrial city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England.

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Variants & Derivatives

Brad, Bradly, Bradfordian

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Modern Popularity & Image

Today, Bradford is perceived as a traditional name with a historical significance, often associated with strength and stability.

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Famous People

Bradford Anderson, an American actor, Bradford M. Freeman, a World War II veteran and notable figure

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bradford"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Bradford"

"Bradford" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Boy 738th of 7545 1,235
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Boy 548th of 6773 2,135
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 305th of 7552 11,136
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 328th of 10718 9,141
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 494th of 16616 5,904
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 1382nd of 24088 1,712
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 2367th of 23106 687
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 12526th of 12526 5
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 11870th of 19264 29
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 27321st of 27321 5

Regional Popularity of "Bradford" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
70.55%
999th/1416
33.94%
468th/1379
45.65%
1080th/2366
56.92%
650th/1142
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
39.72%
614th/1546
20.76%
323rd/1556
45.26%
1065th/2353
34.20%
529th/1547
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
12.21%
272nd/2227
9.14%
222nd/2430
14.69%
419th/2853
10.70%
297th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
11.00%
323rd/2937
7.64%
266th/3483
8.84%
311th/3518
10.09%
408th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
15.14%
558th/3685
7.75%
347th/4475
9.05%
470th/5194
10.08%
637th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
41.29%
1892nd/4582
24.15%
1247th/5164
17.91%
1310th/7313
24.37%
1819th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
76.51%
3048th/3984
71.52%
3209th/4487
32.29%
2203rd/6822
42.43%
2663rd/6276

Regional Popularity of "Bradford" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Bradford"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Bradford" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.