What does Bradley mean and where does it come from?
Bradley is traditionally a male name but has increasingly been used for females, especially in the United States. Its roots lie in Old English, combining 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (meadow), indicating a geographical connection. The name has seen various regional adaptations and has been popularized
Cultural significance
Bradley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the broad meadow.
Peak popularity
Reached #362 in 2024 — currently #403 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bradley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bradley?
Bradley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bradley Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradley John
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradley Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Bradley Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradley Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Bradley Myles
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Bradley right now?
Declining — down 41 spots — currently #403 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #403 | 794 | ▼ down 41 · -13% births |
| 2024 | #362 | 910 | ▼ down 3 |
| 2023 | #359 | 907 | ▼ down 14 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #345 | 951 | ▼ down 32 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #313 | 1,074 | ▲ up 3000 · +2235% births |
| 2020 | #3313 | 46 | ▼ down 105 · -10% births |
| 2015 | #3208 | 51 | ▲ up 5494 · +292% births |
| 2010 | #8702 | 13 | ▼ down 1878 · -24% births |
| 2005 | #6824 | 17 | ▼ down 875 · -6% births |
| 2000 | #5949 | 18 | ▼ down 1597 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #4352 | 23 | ▲ up 950 · +35% births |
| 1990 | #5302 | 17 | ▼ down 2696 · -54% births |
| 1985 | #2606 | 37 | ▼ down 587 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #2019 | 52 | ▲ up 443 · +63% births |
| 1975 | #2462 | 32 | — |
The story of Bradley
Bradley entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. More than 309,994 babies have been named Bradley since 1920. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4421 in 1920 to #359 in 2023. Bradley is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bradley in 2024:
Bradley by decade
Bradley peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 42 | |
| 1890s | 118 | |
| 1900s | 128 | |
| 1910s | 479 | |
| 1920s | 879 | |
| 1930s | 1,830 | |
| 1940s | 5,544 | |
| 1950s | 29,536 | |
| 1960s | 48,880 | |
| 1970s | 59,004 | |
| 1980s ★ | 69,788 | |
| 1990s | 48,267 | |
| 2000s | 23,749 | |
| 2010s | 20,479 | |
| 2020s | 3,063 | |
What are good nicknames for Bradley?
What names sound and feel like Bradley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bradley also consider these
Common questions about the name Bradley
What does the name Bradley mean?
Bradley means "From the broad meadow" — a name rooted in American 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 Bradley?
Bradley is currently ranked #359 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Bradley?
Bradley originates from American tradition. American 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 Bradley?
Bradley is a two-syllable name pronounced BRADL-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bradley more of a girl or boy name?
Bradley is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.