Bradley Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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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.

The name Bradley is most popular in Minnesota, USA 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, Bradley 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, 'Bradley' has shown interesting popularity patterns: 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. Discover how the name 'Bradley' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bradley"

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Pronunciation

/ˈbrædli/

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Origin

Old English

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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'.

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Meaning

broad clearing

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Language Evolution

Bradleah, Bradley

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Historical Usage

Bradley gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century and has remained a common name since then.

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Variants & Derivatives

Brad, Brady

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, the name Bradley is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with a friendly and approachable personality.

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Famous People

Bradley Cooper, Bradley Whitford, Bradley Wiggins

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bradley"

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 of "Bradley"

"Bradley" 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 of "Bradley" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
100.00%
834th/834
100.00%
655th/655
100.00%
764th/764
100.00%
737th/737
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
100.00%
314th/314
100.00%
297th/297
100.00%
571st/571
100.00%
365th/365
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
100.00%
66th/66
100.00%
124th/124
100.00%
211th/211
100.00%
99th/99
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
100.00%
40th/40
100.00%
92nd/92
100.00%
68th/68
100.00%
71st/71
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
100.00%
49th/49
100.00%
84th/84
100.00%
57th/57
100.00%
91st/91
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
100.00%
138th/138
100.00%
152nd/152
100.00%
137th/137
100.00%
195th/195
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
100.00%
276th/276
100.00%
212th/212
100.00%
234th/234
100.00%
255th/255

Regional Popularity of "Bradley" by Generation for 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)
- - - 100.00%
3393rd/3393
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
100.00%
2660th/2660
- 100.00%
3574th/3574
100.00%
5771st/5771
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - 100.00%
5754th/5754
-
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - 100.00%
3113th/3113
100.00%
4932nd/4932

State-by-State Popularity of "Bradley"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Bradley" 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.