"broad clearing in the woods"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Bradley
Pronunciation: [ br-ADL-ee ]
Does Bradley flow with your last name?
A solid American classic with WWII general gravitas
English
American
Australian
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"broad meadow"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Language: English
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The Story of Bradley
Bradley is an Old English place name and surname composed of 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (wood clearing), meaning 'broad clearing in the woods.' It was a common place name in medieval England, giving rise to families who took the location as their surname. Like many place-surnames, it migrated to use as a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Anglo-American cultures.
Bradley peaked in the US in the 1970s–1980s, often associated with actor Brad Pitt (born William Bradley Pitt) who went by Brad. The name carries a clean-cut, professional image from that era. It has declined as millennial parents move toward fresher options, though it remains in steady use.
Bradley is part of the classic mid-century American naming tradition, evoking military heroism through General Omar Bradley (1893–1981), who commanded US troops in WWII. The name carries an association with straightforward, dependable American values.
Historical Record
Bradley first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 303,198 babies have been named Bradley in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bradley is past its peak , currently ranked #365 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- General Omar Bradley was the last five-star US Army general, earning the title 'GI's General' for his care of enlisted troops
- Brad Pitt's full birth name is William Bradley Pitt
- Bradley is the name of several US cities including Bradley, Illinois and Bradley Beach, New Jersey
Bradley in Other Languages
French
Bradley
German
Bradley
Italian
Bradley
Spanish
Bradley
Portuguese
Bradley
Popularity Over Time
#365
Current Rank
Peaked 1970
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Bradley
B
Bradley Wiggins
Athlete
1980
British cyclist, first British winner of the Tour de France (2012) and Olympic gold medalist
B
Bradley Cooper
Actor
1975
Academy Award-nominated American actor and filmmaker known for Silver Linings Playbook and A Star Is Born
O
Omar Bradley
Military
1893
Five-star US Army General who commanded Allied ground troops in WWII, known as 'the GI's General'
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Compare Bradley with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #365
- Total SSA Count
- 906
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Brad
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bradley
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Bradley is also used as a girl name, ranked #3083.
View Bradley as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Bradley →Compare Bradley with...
Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Bradley
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Old Norse origin
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Hebrew origin
"healed by God"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bradley
What does the name Bradley mean?
"broad clearing in the woods" (from Old English). "broad meadow" (from Anglo-Saxon). Bradley is an Old English place name and surname composed of 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (wood clearing), meaning 'broad clearing in the woods.' It was a common place name in medieval England, giving rise to families who took the location as their surname. Like many place-surnames, it migrated to use as a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Anglo-American cultures.
What is the origin of the name Bradley?
Bradley has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, English, American, and Australian origins. In Old English, it means "broad clearing in the woods". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "broad meadow".
Is Bradley a boy or girl name?
Bradley is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #365. As a girl name, it is ranked #3083. Bradley is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Bradley?
Bradley is pronounced br-ADL-ee.
How popular is the name Bradley?
Bradley is currently ranked #365 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bradley?
Common nicknames for Bradley include Brad.
What are good middle names for Bradley?
Popular middle name pairings include Bradley James, Bradley Scott, Bradley Allen, Bradley Michael, Bradley Thomas, Bradley Lee, and Bradley Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Bradley?
Names that pair well with Bradley as siblings include Brandon, Tyler, Ashley, Megan, Derek, Caitlin, and Ryan.
How many syllables does Bradley have?
Bradley has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bradley a common or rare name?
Bradley is a popular name, ranked #365 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Bradley?
About the Name Bradley
Bradley is a boy name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "broad clearing in the woods" in Old English .
Is Bradley a boy or girl name? Bradley is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #365 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,083. Bradley is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bradley is currently ranked #365 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Bradley has 2 syllables and is pronounced br-ADL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bradley include Brad. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Bradley include Brady, Braden, Bradford, Bradlee, Brad . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis