Braddock

Meaning & origin

Braddock is an extremely rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1966. Its peak usage occurred in 2013, but since 2012 its popularity has been on a falling trajectory. In the latest data (2025), it ranked 9,714, with only about 1 in every 244,011 male births receiving the name. The name is a surname adoption, following a long American tradition of using family names as first names. While its precise etymology is debated, it likely derives from a place name meaning 'broad oak' in Old English. Despite its rarity, Braddock offers a distinctive alternative to more common surname-names like Braden or Brody. It has not been recorded in any top state lists, indicating its use is spread thinly across the country. Parents drawn to Braddock may appreciate its rugged sound and historical surname feel, but should be aware of its low frequency of use.

Braddock is an English surname, likely derived from a place name such as Braddock in Cornwall or a habitational name from Old English elements meaning 'broad oak'. As a given name, it follows the tradition of using surnames as first names, particularly in the United States. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1966 but has remained rare.