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Bradley

♂ Boy

Pronounced BRAD-lee /ˈbræd.li/High

Meaning: From Old English brad meaning broad and leah meaning woodland clearing or meadow; a topographic surname meaning one from a broad clearingHigh

In 30 seconds: Bradley is a sturdy Old English place name meaning 'broad meadow' that became a mid-century American classic — dependable, professional, and quietly stylish.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningFrom Old English brad meaning broad and leah meaning woodland clearing or meadow; a topographic surname meaning one from a broad clearing
U.S. rank (2025)#403 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births794 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1980
Total births (all-time)≈ 312,994

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198018802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Bradley derives from Old English brad (broad, wide) and leah (woodland clearing, meadow). It was a widespread English place name that became a surname, then a given name in the 19th century.

Bradley was popular in the United States from the mid-20th century onward, reaching peak popularity in the 1980s. It is associated with an earnest, all-American character.

Did you know? Bradley became strongly associated with military honor through U.S. Army General Omar Bradley, one of the leading commanders of World War II, earning the name a reputation for leadership and courage.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Bradley — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BradleeBrad

Nicknames

Brad

Famous Bearers

  • ★Omar Bradley (1893–1981)
    U.S. Army General of the Army, senior commander in World War II; nicknamed 'the soldier's general.'
  • ★Bradley Cooper (1975–present)
    American actor and filmmaker, multiple Oscar nominee known for Silver Linings Playbook.

If you like Bradley…

Garrett— shares the sturdy Anglo-Norman surname-name feel and mid-century American peak
Kendall— fellow -ll English place-name surname with a similar period of popularity
Mitchell— shares the dignified English surname-name tradition and professional feel
Travis— parallel Old French occupational surname-name with the same all-American character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Bradley mean?

Bradley means broad meadow or broad clearing from Old English brad and leah.

How do you pronounce Bradley?

It is said BRAD-lee /ˈbræd.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Bradley still popular?

Bradley peaked in the 1980s and remains a recognized American classic with steady moderate use.

What is a nickname for Bradley?

The most common nickname is Brad.