Discover people named Penelope Bradford

The last name "Bradford" has its origins in England, specifically deriving from the Old English words "brad," meaning broad, and "ford," referring to a river crossing. This suggests that the name was likely given to individuals who lived near a broad river crossing, with the earliest records of the surname appearing in the 12th century in Yorkshire. Historically, those bearing the name may have been associated with occupations related to the river, such as fishing or trade. Variations of the surname can be found in different regions, including "Bradfurd" and "Bradferd," reflecting regional dialects and spelling conventions. The name has also been adopted in various forms in other countries, often retaining its original spelling but sometimes altered in pronunciation. Overall, the surname Bradford is emblematic of geographical features and the livelihoods of early English communities.