Broward is an unusual and distinctive given name of American origin. Its meaning and history are not as widely known or documented as some other names, but it has a unique story nonetheless.
The name Broward was brought into prominence by Napoleon Bonaparte Broward (1857-1943), who served as the Governor of Florida from 1905 to 1909. He was a prominent political figure known for his progressive policies and his efforts to drain the Everglades in order to make more land available for farming. This endeavor, however, had significant ecological consequences that are still felt today.
Prior to Napoleon Bonaparte Broward's tenure as governor, the name Broward was relatively uncommon. It is believed to have originated from the English surname Broward, which is derived from a place name in Norfolk, England called Bradwell. The name Broward is thought to mean "from Bradwell," referring to an individual who originally came from that location.
In some sources, the name Broward is also associated with the Scottish clan Buchanan. According to this tradition, Broward is said to be a variant of Buchanan and shares its meaning, which is believed to derive from the Gaelic words 'bu' (a) and 'chanan' (little), thus meaning "small" or "little."
However, there is no definitive evidence to support this Scottish origin for the given name Broward. It seems more likely that it is indeed an American name with English roots, popularized by Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward.
Today, Broward remains a rare and unique given name. While it may not have a deeply rooted historical or cultural significance beyond its association with Governor Broward, it stands out as a distinctive choice for parents looking for something unusual for their child's name.
The given statistics provide an overview of the occurrences of the name Broward in the United States from 1910 to 1941. During this period, a total of 40 babies were named Broward. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1915, with 8 babies being given the name Broward that year. However, there were also years where the name was less popular, such as 1914 and 1927, with only 5 births each during those years. The most recent year listed, 1941, also saw a decrease in popularity for the name Broward, with only 5 babies being given this name that year. Overall, these statistics show a relatively consistent but overall decreasing trend in the use of the name Broward as a baby name choice in the United States during the first half of the 20th century.