Origin & Meaning of the Bradford Surname
What does the last name Bradford mean?
The surname Bradford carries the meaning "From a river crossing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 54,015 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bradford ranks as the #628 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bradford come from?
The Bradford surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Bradford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bradford trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Bradford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #628 |
| US Count (2010) | 54,015 |
| Per 100K People | 18.31 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bradford
According to the US Census, the Bradford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 54,015 Americans with the Bradford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.77% |
| Black | 29.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.64% |
| Two or More Races | 2.48% |
Popularity of Bradford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bradford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bradford surname increased by 2,289 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford
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