Bradshaw (surname)

The surname Bradshaw is of English origin. It is a locational surname, derived from a place name meaning "broad wood" or "broad grove." The name is formed from the Old English words "brad" (broad) and "sceaga" (wood or grove).

The earliest recorded use of the surname is believed to be in Lancashire, England. Over time, the name spread throughout England and beyond, carried by migration and emigration.

Variants of the surname include Bradshawe and Bradshow.

Notable people with the surname Bradshaw include:

• Terry Bradshaw: A former American football quarterback.
• Carolyn Bradshaw: An artist and educator.
• Henry Bradshaw: A 19th-century librarian and scholar.

The distribution of the surname is most prevalent in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogy resources can provide more detailed information on the history and distribution of the Bradshaw family name.