NameCensus.

UK surname

Braden

An English toponymic surname derived from a place name meaning "broad valley" or "broad hill."

In the 1881 census there were 281 people recorded with the Braden surname, ranking it #10,175 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 277, ranked #15,619, down from #10,175 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Broadwater (incl. Worthing), Nuthurst, London parishes and Thakeham. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wealden, Wolverhampton and Cornwall.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Braden is 292 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 1.4%.

1881 census count

281

Ranked #10,175

Modern count

277

2016, ranked #15,619

Peak year

1901

292 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Braden had 281 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,175 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 277 in 2016, ranked #15,619.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 292 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Braden surname distribution map

The map shows where the Braden surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Braden surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Braden over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 152 #12,786
1861 historical 242 #10,154
1881 historical 281 #10,175
1891 historical 246 #12,912
1901 historical 292 #11,861
1911 historical 220 #14,088
1997 modern 275 #14,335
1998 modern 277 #14,646
1999 modern 271 #14,954
2000 modern 280 #14,601
2001 modern 275 #14,540
2002 modern 285 #14,483
2003 modern 276 #14,604
2004 modern 272 #14,843
2005 modern 267 #14,954
2006 modern 265 #15,126
2007 modern 267 #15,225
2008 modern 268 #15,311
2009 modern 268 #15,620
2010 modern 274 #15,705
2011 modern 265 #15,980
2012 modern 274 #15,498
2013 modern 285 #15,313
2014 modern 282 #15,537
2015 modern 284 #15,344
2016 modern 277 #15,619

Geography

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Where Bradens are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Broadwater (incl. Worthing), Nuthurst, London parishes, Thakeham and Hove. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Wealden, Wolverhampton, Cornwall, Wirral and Dudley. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Broadwater (incl. Worthing), Nuthurst Sussex
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Thakeham Sussex
5 Hove Sussex

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Wealden 013 Wealden
2 Wolverhampton 010 Wolverhampton
3 Cornwall 019 Cornwall
4 Wirral 037 Wirral
5 Dudley 004 Dudley

Forenames

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First names often paired with Braden

These lists show first names that appear often with the Braden surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Braden

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Braden, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Braden surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Braden household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Braden is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Braden is most concentrated in decile 6 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

6
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Braden falls in decile 8 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

8
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Braden is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Braden, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Braden

The surname Braden originated in England, specifically from the northern counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "brad" and "dun," which together mean "broad hill" or "broad down." This suggests that the name likely referred to someone who lived near a prominent hill or elevated area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Braden can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Bradedun." This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror, was a comprehensive survey of landholdings and population across much of England and parts of Wales.

In the 13th century, the name was also recorded in various forms such as "Bradden," "Bradene," and "Braddene." These variations reflect the natural evolution of language and spelling over time.

Several notable individuals have borne the surname Braden throughout history. One example is Sir John Braden (c. 1480 - 1537), an English soldier and Member of Parliament during the reign of Henry VIII. Another is Robert Braden (1609 - 1683), a prominent Puritan minister and author in colonial New England.

In the 18th century, Sampson Braden (1745 - 1823) was a British naval officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. He later became a Member of Parliament and was knighted for his services.

Moving into the 19th century, we find Charles Braden (1830 - 1905), an American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Braden Steel Company in Pennsylvania. He was known for his support of educational institutions and charitable causes.

Lastly, Spruille Braden (1894 - 1978) was an American diplomat and politician who served as Ambassador to several countries, including Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. He played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during his career.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the surname Braden throughout history, reflecting its English origins and the diverse paths its bearers have taken across various professions and parts of the world.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Braden families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Braden surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Sussex leads with 74 Bradens recorded in 1881 and an index of 16.01x.

County Total Index
Sussex 74 16.01x
Middlesex 58 2.12x
Surrey 17 1.27x
Lanarkshire 13 1.47x
Northumberland 10 2.45x
Yorkshire 9 0.33x
Wigtownshire 8 21.98x
Buckinghamshire 7 4.22x
Hertfordshire 7 3.70x
Lancashire 7 0.22x
Shropshire 7 2.96x
Staffordshire 7 0.76x
Cheshire 6 0.99x
Derbyshire 6 1.40x
Glamorgan 6 1.26x
Kent 6 0.64x
Leicestershire 6 1.97x
Renfrewshire 5 2.35x
Essex 4 0.74x
Lincolnshire 4 0.91x
Nottinghamshire 4 1.08x
Monmouthshire 3 1.51x
Durham 2 0.25x
Somerset 2 0.45x
Dunbartonshire 1 1.36x
Hampshire 1 0.18x
Oxfordshire 1 0.59x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Portslade in Sussex leads with 17 Bradens recorded in 1881 and an index of 600.71x.

Place Total Index
Portslade 17 600.71x
Thakeham 14 2745.10x
Islington London 13 4.89x
Broadwater 9 84.91x
Ealing 9 36.73x
Hove 9 44.38x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 9 36.95x
St George In East London 9 34.91x
Kirkinner 8 533.33x
Camberwell 7 4.00x
Rusper 7 1400.00x
St Giles In Fields London 7 52.04x
Wellington 7 52.59x
Barony 6 2.67x
Bethnal Green London 6 5.04x
Chesterfield 6 37.29x
Clapham 6 17.51x
Leicester All Sts 6 100.50x
Old Monkland 6 17.06x
Brighton 5 5.36x
Chesham 5 81.83x
Hampstead London 5 11.71x
Latchford 5 124.38x
Tipton 5 17.65x
West Greenock 5 13.11x
Bromley London 4 6.63x
Goring 4 800.00x
Hertford St Andrew 4 171.67x
Leyton Low 4 36.36x
Linthorpe 4 24.68x
Nottingham St Mary 4 4.19x
Shipbourne 4 833.33x
Swansea Town 4 10.22x
Baumber 3 937.50x
Bedwellty 3 8.57x
Lewes St John Southover 3 96.77x
Lewes St Michael 3 326.09x
Skelton In Guisbrough 3 40.82x
Tring 3 59.52x
Clase 2 11.27x
Great Missenden 2 98.04x
Hammersmith London 2 2.96x
Lewisham 2 4.01x
Liverpool 2 1.01x
Rotherhithe 2 5.90x
Throston 2 127.39x
West Derby 2 2.10x
Aismunderby Cum 1 129.87x
Altrincham 1 9.46x
Arundel 1 38.61x
Bury 1 2.69x
Chelsea London 1 1.21x
Chew Magna 1 64.52x
East Blatchington 1 500.00x
Farnham 1 9.62x
Horsham 1 11.14x
Ilkley 1 22.52x
Kirkintilloch 1 9.99x
Lambeth 1 0.42x
Maryhill 1 5.76x
Mile End Old Town London 1 1.71x
Neithrop 1 17.57x
Newcastle On Tyne St 1 4.73x
Oswaldtwistle 1 8.70x
Shepton Mallet 1 20.20x
Skirbeck 1 40.65x
Southampton St Michael 1 54.05x
St Luke London 1 2.27x
Toxteth Park 1 0.91x
Walsall Foreign 1 2.09x
Wolverhampton 1 1.41x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Braden surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Braden surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Henry 13
William 11
Charles 10
John 9
George 7
James 7
David 5
Thomas 5
Aaron 2
Albert 2
Arthur 2
Benjamin 2
Daniel 2
Edward 2
Frederick 2
Robert 2
Abraham 1
Adam 1
Alexander 1
Alfred 1
Barnard 1
Bernard 1
Bill 1
Carl 1
Earnest 1
Ernest 1
Frank 1
Frederic 1
Harry 1
Harvey 1
Hen.Geor.B. 1
Herbert 1
Howard 1
Jas. 1
Jno. 1
Jno.William 1
Jonathan 1
Jos. 1
Joseph 1
Mark 1
Mathew 1
Montague 1
Oto 1
Patrick 1
Peter 1
Reuben 1
Richard 1
Samuel 1
Tom 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Braden surname: questions and answers

How common was the Braden surname in 1881?

In 1881, 281 people were recorded with the Braden surname. That placed it at #10,175 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Braden surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 277 in 2016. That gives Braden a modern rank of #15,619.

What does the Braden surname mean?

An English toponymic surname derived from a place name meaning "broad valley" or "broad hill."

What does the Braden map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Braden bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.