Bradford Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bradford come from? What does the surname Bradford mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bradford and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Bradford Origin: What does the last name Bradford mean?
The surname Bradford has its roots in Old English and specifically refers to those from the City of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. According to YourRoots data, the surname was first recorded in the United Kingdom in the early 12th century. It remained associated with the UK through the 15th century and began appearing more frequently in the United States from the 16th century onwards.
YourRoots data further reveals that by the 16th century, the Bradford surname saw significant growth in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. Today, the surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a notable presence in the United Kingdom as well. The Bradford surname reflects a rich history tied to the City of Bradford and has spread globally over the centuries, maintaining its significance in various regions and cultures.
Bradford Last Name History: Where did the last name Bradford come from?
Origin of Bradford Surname: Where does the last name Bradford originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Bradford was first recorded in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. It is important to note that this is based only on data from YourRoots that specifically pertains to the “Bradford” spelling, other record sources or surname variations may not be included.
History of the Last Name Bradford: What does the Bradford surname history look like in the early days?
The “Bradford” surname remained predominantly associated with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century, witnessing significant growth during the 15th century. The surname began to appear more frequently in the United States starting from the 16th century. Please note, this information is based on YourRoots data and reflects the frequency of the surname in the database.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bradford surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Bradford surname saw considerable growth in the United States. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the frequency of Bradford records in the United States surpassed those in the United Kingdom, making the United States the primary region for this surname. As of the latest data, the Bradford surname is most frequently found in the United States, with the United Kingdom also contributing significantly to its global presence.
Explore Bradford last name heritage and Bradford surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Bradford Surame?
Jesse Bradford
Jesse Bradford Watrouse (born May 28, 1979) is an American actor known professionally as Jesse Bradford. He began his career as a child actor and received recognition for his roles in King of the Hill (1993) and Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (1995). Bradford gained wider fame in the teen comedy Bring It On (2000) and went on to star in various films and TV series, including Romeo + Juliet (1996), Clockstoppers (2002), and The West Wing. He continues to be active in the entertainment industry, with roles in projects like Flags of Our Fathers (2006) and Code Black (2016).
Sam Bradford
Samuel Jacob Bradford (November 8, 1987 -) is an American former professional football player known for his nine-season career as a quarterback in the NFL. Starting his journey at the University of Oklahoma, Bradford made a name for himself by winning the Heisman Trophy in 2008. He set records as a rookie in the NFL and continued to impress with teams like the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Arizona Cardinals. Despite facing injuries, Bradford's career showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, making him a recognizable figure in American football history.
Chad Bradford
Chadwick Lee Bradford (born Sep 14, 1974) is a former American professional baseball relief pitcher known for his submarine-style pitching. He played for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays. Bradford was featured in Michael Lewis' book Moneyball and portrayed by actor Casey Bond in the film adaptation. Despite his fastball only reaching mid-80 mph, he had a successful career and played a key role in the 2008 World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays. After retiring, Bradford pursued coaching in Mississippi.
City of Bradford
The Brontë sisters, Emily Jane, Anne Brontë, and Charlotte Brontë were famous 19th-century English novelists born in Thornton, now part of Bradford, West Yorkshire. They are best known for their literary works, including "Wuthering Heights" and "Jane Eyre," which are considered classics of English literature. The sisters grew up in the Yorkshire countryside and drew inspiration from their surroundings to create powerful and emotional stories that continue to be celebrated today.
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Barbara Taylor Bradford (May 10, 1933 – November 24, 2024) was a British-American best-selling novelist known for her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote a total of 40 novels, often focusing on young women from humble beginnings who succeed in business through hard work. Her books were translated into 40 languages and sold more than 90 million copies. Bradford's works were adapted into ten television mini-series and movies, adding to her widespread popularity and commercial success. She received several honorary degrees and was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her literary contributions.
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