Bradley

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Broad Clearing; From the Meadow

Background: The name Bradley originates from the Old English elements 'brad,' meaning 'broad,' and 'lea,' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing.' In some contexts, it is also linked to a Celtic root referring to 'meadow,' combining these meanings to describe a wide open area or clearing in the woods.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#112
Total births
314,113
Most popular decade
1980s (209,346 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-181 ranks)
Years in Top 100
38
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

99.4% male 0.6% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1880
First year births
5
First year rank
#909
Peak year
1980
Peak year births
7,209
Peak rank
#51
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
906
Recent rank
#364

Female

First year
1920
First year births
6
First year rank
#4,398
Peak year
2022
Peak year births
62
Peak rank
#2,754
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
52
Recent rank
#3,072

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links