What does Bradford mean and where does it come from?
Bradford is traditionally a masculine name, derived from Old English, referring to a river crossing at a broad place. It is more commonly recognized as a surname and place name in England. The usage of Bradford as a female first name is quite rare and may represent a shift in naming conventions wher
Cultural significance
Bradford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of broad ford..
Peak popularity
Reached #2965 in 2024 — currently #3522 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bradford?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bradford?
Bradford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bradford Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradford John
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradford Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradford Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Bradford Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradford Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Bradford right now?
Falling — down 557 spots — currently #3522 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3522 | 32 | ▼ down 557 · -24% births |
| 2024 | #2965 | 42 | ▼ down 2190 · -97% births |
| 2023 | #775 | 1,425 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #780 | 1,405 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #785 | 1,375 | ▲ up 5731 · +17088% births |
| 1975 | #6516 | 8 | ▼ down 638 · +60% births |
| 1955 | #5878 | 5 | — |
The story of Bradford
Bradford entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. A total of 31,900 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5878 in 1955 to #775 in 2023. Bradford is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bradford in 2024:
Bradford by decade
Bradford peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 20 | |
| 1890s | 59 | |
| 1900s | 86 | |
| 1910s | 513 | |
| 1920s | 818 | |
| 1930s | 998 | |
| 1940s | 2,417 | |
| 1950s ★ | 6,689 | |
| 1960s | 5,811 | |
| 1970s | 5,734 | |
| 1980s | 4,752 | |
| 1990s | 2,292 | |
| 2000s | 976 | |
| 2010s | 687 | |
| 2020s | 122 | |
What are good nicknames for Bradford?
What names sound and feel like Bradford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bradford also consider these
Common questions about the name Bradford
What does the name Bradford mean?
Bradford means "Broad ford." — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bradford?
Bradford is currently ranked #775 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bradford?
Bradford originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bradford?
Bradford is a two-syllable name pronounced BRADF-erd. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bradford more of a girl or boy name?
Bradford is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.