What does Bradbury mean and where does it come from?
Bradbury is a surname of English origin, historically derived from a geographic location. It can mean 'the fortified place by the briar' or 'the brier bush'. The name has ancient roots and was first recorded in various forms in the 12th century. Notable people with the surname include the author Ray
Cultural significance
Bradbury has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #4167 in 1949 — currently #1126 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bradbury?
Bradbury works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bradbury Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bradbury Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bradbury Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bradbury Claire
French influence · crisp
Bradbury Jane
Literary · strong
Bradbury Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bradbury right now?
Holding steady — currently #1126 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1126 | 1,074 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1131 | 1,054 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1136 | 1,024 | — |
The story of Bradbury
Bradbury entered American naming records in 1949 and has been in use for over 75 years. With 5 total births recorded, Bradbury remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1136 in 2021 to #1126 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Bradbury in 1949:
💎Bradbury has only 5 total recorded births since 1949 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bradbury?
What names sound and feel like Bradbury?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bradbury also consider these
Common questions about the name Bradbury
What does the name Bradbury mean?
Bradbury means "Old English" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bradbury?
Bradbury is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bradbury?
Bradbury originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bradbury?
Bradbury is a three-syllable name pronounced B R AE1 D B EH2 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Bradbury?
Bradbury pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar England heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.