Bradford is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words 'brad' meaning "broad" or "wide," and 'ford' which refers to a shallow river crossing point. Therefore, the literal translation of Bradford is "broad ford."
The name Bradford has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England. It was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near a broad ford. Over time, it evolved into a given name.
Bradford has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. For instance, Sir Henry Bradwardine (1290-1349) was an English theologian and mathematician, while Bradford (1590-1653) was the birthplace of the poet and playwright, John Bradford.
In recent years, the name Bradford has gained popularity as a given name in English-speaking countries. It is often chosen for its strong, earthy sound and its historical significance. Despite its growing popularity, it remains relatively uncommon, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an distinctive name for their child.
The name Bradford has seen a varied number of births over the past few decades in the United States. In the year 1955, there were 5 babies born with this name. This number remained consistent for another decade as there were also 5 births recorded in 1967.
Interestingly, the following year saw an increase in popularity with 6 babies named Bradford in 1968. However, this trend did not continue, and the numbers fluctuated over the next few years. In 1975, there was another spike with 8 births recorded that year. This was followed by a slight decrease to 5 births each in both 1976 and 1977.
After a gap of almost a decade, there were once again 5 babies named Bradford in the United States in 1987. Overall, between these years, there have been a total of 39 babies born with this name across the country. This data illustrates the fluctuations in popularity that the name Bradford has experienced over time in the United States.