Is Bradford a boy's or girl's name?

Bradford is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 39 recorded births.

When was Bradford most popular?

Bradford reached its peak popularity in 1953 with 780 births that year. It is currently ranked #2994 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Bradford?

Bradford is currently ranked #2994 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 32,042 babies since 1880.

Bradford

An uncommon Old English pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld EnglishDeclining Also a pet name

#2994▼ 338in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A number of places in England: A city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire. A hamlet in Blisland parish, Cornwall . A settlement in Youlgreave parish, Derbyshire Dales district, Derbyshire . A village and civil parish in Torridge district, Devon . An area of Manchester, Greater Manchester . A small village in Adderstone with Lucker parish, Northumberland .

Bradford is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from a place name meaning 'broad ford' — a wide river crossing. The city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England, was a major center of the Victorian wool industry, giving the name grounded, working-class roots beneath its distinguished sound.

With over 32,000 U.S. births recorded, Bradford has a dignified, patrician quality that suits parents looking for a serious yet approachable name.

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Popularity Over Time

Bradford was #1425 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2994, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Bradford
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	230	#2769	▼
2010s	689	#2058	▼
2000s	976	#1513	▼
1990s	2,292	#718	▼
1980s	4,746	#394	▼
1970s	5,711	#320	—
1960s	5,794	#320	▼
1950s	6,692	#276	▲
1940s	2,418	#429	▲
1930s	998	#594	▲
1920s	818	#721	▲
1910s	513	#771	▲
1900s	86	#885	▲
1890s	59	#810	▲
1880s	20	#982	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(135 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Bradford
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	41	#2994	-8 (-16.3%)
2023	49	#2656	+8 (19.5%)
2022	41	#3013	-8 (-16.3%)
2021	49	#2631	-1 (-2.0%)
2020	50	#2553	+2 (4.2%)
2019	48	#2663	-19 (-28.4%)
2018	67	#2102	-3 (-4.3%)
2017	70	#2018	+2 (2.9%)
2016	68	#2068	+5 (7.9%)
2015	63	#2171	-14 (-18.2%)
2014	77	#1886	+13 (20.3%)
2013	64	#2093	-17 (-21.0%)
2012	81	#1821	+8 (11.0%)
2011	73	#1907	-5 (-6.4%)
2010	78	#1852	+2 (2.6%)
2009	76	#1895	+19 (33.3%)
2008	57	#2296	-42 (-42.4%)
2007	99	#1577	+4 (4.2%)
2006	95	#1552	-2 (-2.1%)
2005	97	#1486	-2 (-2.0%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Bradford as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Bradford has also been given to 39 girls in the U.S. since 1955.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

1975

Peak year

Compare Bradford as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Bradford be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Bradford is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #2994. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Bradford has two lives

Bradford, the baby name

#2994boys

32,042 babies

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Bradford, the pet name

#14705pet name

3 pets

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology