Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bradley has its roots in Old English, meaning 'broad clearing'. It evolved from historical forms such as Bradleah to its modern form. The name carries traits of strength and approachability and does not have a biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is still well-regarded today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbrædli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Bradley originates from the Old English elements 'brad', meaning broad, and 'leah', meaning clearing or meadow. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'broad clearing'.
Meaning
broad clearing
Language Evolution
Bradleah, Bradley
Historical Usage
Bradley gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century and has remained a common name since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Brad, Brady
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Bradley is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with a friendly and approachable personality.
Famous People
Bradley Cooper, Bradley Whitford, Bradley Wiggins
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,261 peak births in 1980
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 734th of 7545 | 1,245 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 399th of 6773 | 3,850 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 117th of 7552 | 57,086 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 57th of 10718 | 90,771 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 58th of 16616 | 98,735 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 155th of 24088 | 41,565 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 242nd of 23106 | 18,773 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 8598th of 9107 | 6 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5047th of 12526 | 114 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2694th of 19264 | 442 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3183rd of 27321 | 517 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7619th of 35406 | 235 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3231st of 30306 | 599 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
58.90% 834th/1416 |
47.50% 655th/1379 |
32.29% 764th/2366 |
64.54% 737th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
20.31% 314th/1546 |
19.09% 297th/1556 |
24.27% 571st/2353 |
23.59% 365th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.96% 66th/2227 |
5.10% 124th/2430 |
7.40% 211th/2853 |
3.57% 99th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
1.36% 40th/2937 |
2.64% 92nd/3483 |
1.93% 68th/3518 |
1.76% 71st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.33% 49th/3685 |
1.88% 84th/4475 |
1.10% 57th/5194 |
1.44% 91st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.01% 138th/4582 |
2.94% 152nd/5164 |
1.87% 137th/7313 |
2.61% 195th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.93% 276th/3984 |
4.72% 212th/4487 |
3.43% 234th/6822 |
4.06% 255th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
83.90% 3393rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
72.18% 2660th/3685 |
- |
68.81% 3574th/5194 |
91.36% 5771st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
78.68% 5754th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
45.63% 3113th/6822 |
78.59% 4932nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Minnesota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 734th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 399th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 117th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 57th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 58th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 155th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 242nd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 8598th out of 9107 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5047th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2694th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3183rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7619th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3231st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.