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Brady

♂ Boy

Pronounced BRAY-dee /ˈbreɪ.di/High

Meaning: Anglicization of the Irish surname O Bradaigh, from 'bradach' meaning spirited, thievish, or large-chested — conveying vigor and vitality.High

In 30 seconds: Brady is a spirited Irish surname name that found enormous American favor through its association with The Brady Bunch and quarterback Tom Brady. Friendly, strong, and quintessentially American.
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Origin HighIrish Gaelic
MeaningAnglicization of the Irish surname O Bradaigh, from 'bradach' meaning spirited, thievish, or large-chested — conveying vigor and vitality.
U.S. rank (2025)#321 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,071 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 96,760

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718832025

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

History & Origin

Brady derives from the Irish surname O Bradaigh, meaning 'descendant of Bradach'. The root bradach is generally translated as 'spirited', 'lively', or occasionally 'thievish' in older sources, but the dominant modern interpretation emphasizes vigor and vitality. The Brady clan was historically associated with County Cavan and Meath in Ireland.

Brady became a popular given name in the United States during the latter half of the twentieth century, strongly associated with the Brady Bunch television family and later with NFL quarterback Tom Brady, the most decorated player in Super Bowl history. It ranked in the US top 100 for boys in the 2010s. The name sits comfortably in the tradition of sporty, All-American Irish surname names alongside Cody, Casey, and Riley.

Did you know? The Brady Bunch, the American television sitcom that ran from 1969 to 1974, is almost certainly the most influential factor behind the name Brady's rise as a first name — it created a cultural shorthand for cheerful, wholesome family life.
Overall data confidence 88%
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland — Etymology of O BradaighSocial Security Administration Name Data — US popularity trends for Brady

Variations

BraedieBraidy

Nicknames

Brade

Famous Bearers

  • ★Tom Brady (1977–)
    American NFL quarterback, seven-time Super Bowl champion, widely considered the greatest of all time.

If you like Brady…

Casey— two-syllable Irish surname name with the same friendly, American energy
Cody— two-syllable Irish-American classic with a shared 1990s–2000s popularity peak
Brody— near-rhyming Irish surname name with essentially identical sound and feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Brady mean?

Brady means 'spirited one' or 'descendant of Bradach', from the Irish Gaelic O Bradaigh.

How do you pronounce Brady?

Brady is pronounced BRAY-dee (/ˈbreɪ.di/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Brady a boy or girl name?

Brady is predominantly a boy's name, though it sees occasional use for girls.

How popular is Brady?

Brady reached the US top 100 boys' names in the 2010s, boosted by NFL quarterback Tom Brady's career.