BRADFORD

Bradford

Origin of the Name
Bradford is a locational surname derived from the Old English words "brad" meaning broad and "ford" meaning a crossing point on a river. This suggests that the name originally referred to someone living near a wide river crossing.

History and Distribution
The surname Bradford has medieval origins and is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in Northern England. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century.

Famous Bearers

• John Bradford (1510–1555): A prominent English preacher and martyr during the reign of Queen Mary I.
• Redmond Bradford (1802–1867): An Irish politician and member of the British parliament.
• Gary Bradford (born 1972): British former professional footballer who played as a defender.

Variants
Variants of the surname Bradford include Bradforth, Bradfort, and Bradforde.

Coat of Arms
The Bradford family coat of arms typically features symbols such as a lion, a chevron, and a boar's head, though variations exist across different branches of the family.

Conclusion
The surname Bradford has a long history in England, with notable individuals bearing this name making valuable contributions to various fields over the centuries. It remains a common and respected surname in modern British society.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Andrew
• David
• James
• John
• Mark
• Michael
• Paul
• Peter
• Richard
• Robert
• William

Female

• Claire
• Elizabeth
• Helen
• Jane
• Joanne
• Julie
• Margaret
• Mary
• Michelle
• Nicola
• Patricia
• Sarah
• Susan
• Wendy

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.