Bradford is an English given name of uncertain origin. Some sources suggest that it may derive from the Old Norse personal name Bradeard, which was composed of the elements bróðir meaning "brother" and earl meaning "nobleman". Alternatively, Bradford could be derived from the Middle English personal name Brodeward, which was composed of the elements brode meaning "wide" or "broad" and ward meaning "guard".
The name Bradford is associated with several notable figures in history. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Sir Henry Bradwardine (c. 1290-1349), an English cleric and mathematician who served as the Bishop of Ely from 1345 until his death. He was also known for his work on calendrical calculations and his treatise on the astrolabe.
Another notable figure with the name Bradford was William Bradford (1590-1657), a Pilgrim leader who played a crucial role in the founding of Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. He served as the governor of the colony for more than 30 years and is best known for his historical account of the colony's early years, entitled Of Plymouth Plantation.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Bradford has also been used in popular culture. For example, it was the given name of Brad Pitt's character in the film "Thelma & Louise" (1991) and is the surname of the main character in the television series "Gilmore Girls" (2000-2007).
Overall, Bradford is a strong and distinctive English given name with an uncertain origin but a rich history associated with notable figures throughout time.
The name Bradford has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity varying over time. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 32,001 births registered with the name Bradford.
In the late 19th century, the name began to gain traction, with five births recorded each year between 1880 and 1885. This trend continued until 1889 when there was another spike in popularity, with nine births that year. The name's popularity fluctuated throughout the early 20th century, peaking at 251 births in 1946.
The mid-20th century saw a significant increase in the usage of the name Bradford, with over 300 births recorded each year between 1947 and 1959. This period marked the height of the name's popularity in the United States, with 699 births recorded in 1955 alone.
However, as with many names, Bradford's popularity began to decline in the latter half of the century. Between 1960 and 2023, there was a steady decrease in the number of births registered with the name, dropping from 578 births in 1961 to just 41 births in 2022.
Despite this decline, Bradford remains a recognizable and historically significant name in the United States. Its usage over time reflects broader trends in naming practices, providing insight into the cultural shifts that have occurred throughout American history.