Broad ford or wide river crossing
Derived from Old English elements 'brad' meaning broad and 'ford' meaning a shallow place to cross water. It originated as a topographic surname for families living near a significant river crossing before becoming a given name.
Less common today
Bradford isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #581 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).
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