Surname Bradsher - Meaning and Origin

Bradsher: What does the surname Bradsher mean?

The last name Bradsher is of English origin, although its exact meaning is not very clear. It is believed to be a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. There is a theory that Bradsher is related to the place named Bradshaw in Lancashire, England - the name Bradshaw broadly translates to "broad thicket" from Old English words 'brad' meaning broad and 'sceaga' meaning thicket or woods. Another possible origin is that it may have been an occupational name for a person involved in "braiding" or "breading", hence known as "Brader". Like many surnames, the spelling variation of Bradsher might be different due to the evolution and translation of the name over centuries. It's important to note that surnames often had specific local definitions and meanings, related to a geographical feature, a personal characteristic, a profession, or a special event, so precise interpretation might be challenging.

Bradsher: Where does the name Bradsher come from?

The last name Bradsher is believed to have originated in England, dating back to medieval times. The name could possibly be linked to various jobs or occupations, such as a brewer or brick maker. However, the exact origin is not clear.

Sharing a common pattern with many surnames from the British Isles, Bradsher was brought to North America by immigrants seeking new opportunities. Over generations, it has been spread across various regions, especially in the United States.

In terms of current distribution, Bradsher appears to be relatively uncommon worldwide. It is most frequently found in the United States, particularly in the Southeast region. According to public records and digital directories, the name has a significant presence in states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia among others. Other countries may have a small number of Bradshers, tucked away within their diverse populations, due to families emigrating over the years. It's important to note that the distribution and prevalence of a surname can change over time due to various socio-economic, historical, and personal reasons.

Variations of the surname Bradsher

The surname Bradsher is of British origin and can be traced back to Old English. It has many variants and alternate spellings which derive from the same root word "brad", or wide in Old English, and "scear" which means plough or share. Some of these variations include Bradshaw, Brasher, Bradshare, Bradshear, Bradshere, Bradshier, Breadsher, and others.

Bradshaw is the most popular of these variations, and it is believed to originally describe someone who came from a broad (or wide) portion of land which was cultivated (hence, the "shaw" part of the name, derived from "scear" meaning plough).

The alternate spellings such as Brasher or Bradshier are likely due to phonetic re-spellings over time and hardship in understanding the original spelling. This was especially common in the early immigration period in America or Australia where names were often written down as they sounded.

As for surnames of the same origin, other English surnames that originate from terms used in farming or cultivation would be in the same category, such as Plowman or Harvester.

Famous people with the name Bradsher

• Dave Bradsher: professional motorcycle racer and stunt rider.
• Matt Bradsher: professional baseball player for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
• Robert Bradsher: former US ambassador to Mozambique and former head of the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
• Jade Bradsher: an American television personality, best known for her work on MTV's Cribs.
• Kenny Bradsher: former NASCAR driver.
• Ray Bradsher: former National Football League player.
• Karver Bradsher: American football safety.
• Sammy Bradsher: former American football player.
• Erick Bradsher: American politician, who served as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina from 1977–1985.
• Amy Bradsher: former democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 30.

Other surnames

Bradshaw