Surname Broadaway - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Broadaway: What does the surname Broadaway mean?
The surname Broadaway is of English origin, derived from a geographical locale. Its root is found in Old English words "brad" meaning "broad" and "weg" meaning "way" or "path." This surname was commonly given to those who lived near or by a broad road or pathway. So, the surname essentially means 'one who lives by the broad path/road.' It is also connected to a few locations named Broadway in England. Like many old English surnames, it may have been used to identify someone based on their geographic location or to denote a significant feature of their property, their profession, or a unique characteristic. Over time, the word Broadway has also become a symbol or term related to theater, especially in New York City. However, the surname Broadaway long predates these theatrical associations.
Order DNA origin analysisBroadaway: Where does the name Broadaway come from?
The surname Broadaway is of English origin. The name is toponymic, meaning it is derived from a place name. It is believed to come from the Old English words "brad" meaning broad and "weg", meaning road or path, so it originally signified someone who lived by a broad path or road. Broadaway, Broadeway, and Broadway are a few variations of this surname.
As with many English surnames, Broadaway and its variants can be found mainly in Anglophone countries due to migration, this includes the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of the United Kingdom. According to statistics from Forebears, the surname is most prevalent today in the United States and quite common in England. Despite this, Broadaway is considered a relatively rare surname globally. The highest concentrations can be found in the U.S. with significant numbers in states like Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Usage of the Broadaway surname has decreased somewhat in recent years, but it is still in use around the globe especially in English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Broadaway
The surname Broadaway is believed to have originated from a location in England known as Broadway, which was named after a widely paved road. Various spellings and variants of this surname have evolved over time, sometimes due to migration, regional accents, and spelling errors in written records.
Some of the variants and spellings of the surname Broadaway include Broadway, Broadwey, Broadweye, Brodeway, and Broadwey. Each of these variations reflects a potential phonetic spelling of the original term.
A few other surnames that may be of the same origin include Bradway and Broadwater. Bradway suggests a transcription error or a different pronunciation, while Broadwater may come from the same geographic area but represents a slightly different marker (a broad river or body of water).
It's important to note that the surname's origins and variants can be influenced by numerous factors including immigration, cultural assimilation, and language translation, so there may be many more less obvious variations of the surname Broadaway in different parts of the world. Additionally, the association of specific surnames with their origins can vary depending on historical documentation and lineage research.
Famous people with the name Broadaway
- Angela Bassett- actress, known for her roles in films such as What's Love Got to Do With It, Strange Days, Black Panther and Notorius.
- Beau Bridges- actor and director, known for his roles in films such as The Fabulous Baker Boys, Max Payne, and Stargate SG-1.
- Bradley Whitford- actor, known for his award-winning role in the TV series The West Wing and roles in films such as The Cabin in the Woods, Get Out, and Ocean's Twelve.
- Christopher Broadaway- professional soccer player, who played for the English national team.
- Danny DeVito- actor, comedian, director, and producer, known for his roles in films such as Matilda and Get Shorty.
- Diana Broadaway- award-winning contemporary American artist and sculptor.
- Jeffery Broadaway- country musician, best known for his song “The Cowboy Gets the Girl”.
- Matthew Broderick- actor, best known for his roles in films such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and WarGames.
- Robert Brodaway- politician, member of the United States House of Representatives from Louisiana.
- Willie Broadaway- blues and R&B singer.