"broad meadow, wide clearing"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Bradley
Pronunciation: [ br-ADL-ee ]
Does Bradley flow with your last name?
A broad meadow name growing in fresh directions
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames for Bradley
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Meaning & Origin
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The Story of Bradley
Bradley comes from the Old English words 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (wood, clearing, meadow), meaning 'broad meadow' or 'wide clearing.' It originated as a place name in England — there are over 20 places named Bradley across the country — then became a surname, and then a masculine given name. In recent decades, it has joined the wave of traditionally male surnames being adopted as feminine names, following Taylor, Hayley, and Kelsey.
Bradley as a girl's name has emerged in the 2010s as part of the broader gender-fluid naming trend. The nickname Brad paradoxically feels fresh and androgynous for girls in the current naming landscape, similar to how Charlie and Billie feel natural for girls today.
As a surname name, Bradley connects to English geographic heritage. The most famous bearer historically is General Omar Bradley, one of WWII's key American military commanders. Lady Gaga's character in A Star Is Born helped normalize Bradley as a woman's name.
Historical Record
Bradley first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,896 babies have been named Bradley in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bradley is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,083 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- There are over 20 places named Bradley across England, making it one of the most common Old English place-name types
- Lady Gaga played a character named Ally Maine opposite Bradley Cooper in A Star Is Born (2018)
Bradley in Other Languages
English variants
Bradlee, Bradie
Popularity Over Time
#3,083
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,083
- Total SSA Count
- 52
- Cultural Origins
- English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Brad
Lee
Brads
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
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bradley
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Bradley is also used as a boy name, ranked #365.
View Bradley as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bradley
What does the name Bradley mean?
"broad meadow, wide clearing" (from Old English). Bradley comes from the Old English words 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (wood, clearing, meadow), meaning 'broad meadow' or 'wide clearing.' It originated as a place name in England — there are over 20 places named Bradley across the country — then became a surname, and then a masculine given name. In recent decades, it has joined the wave of traditionally male surnames being adopted as feminine names, following Taylor, Hayley, and Kelsey.
What is the origin of the name Bradley?
Bradley has Old English, English, American, and Australian origins. In Old English, it means "broad meadow, wide clearing".
Is Bradley a boy or girl name?
Bradley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3083. As a boy name, it is ranked #365. 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 #3083 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bradley?
Common nicknames for Bradley include Brad, Lee, and Brads.
What are good middle names for Bradley?
Popular middle name pairings include Bradley Grace, Bradley Rose, Bradley Mae, Bradley Claire, Bradley Jane, and Bradley Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Bradley?
Names that pair well with Bradley as siblings include Parker, Taylor, Morgan, Bailey, Kendall, and Riley.
How many syllables does Bradley have?
Bradley has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Bradley a common or rare name?
Bradley is an uncommon name, ranked #3083 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Bradley?
Are there other spellings for Bradley?
Related spellings include Brady.
About the Name Bradley
Bradley is a girl name with English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "broad meadow, wide clearing" in Old English .
Is Bradley a boy or girl name? Bradley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,083 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #365. Bradley is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bradley is currently ranked #3,083 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Bradley has 3 syllables and is pronounced br-ADL-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Bradley include Brad, Lee, and Brads. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Bradley include Brady . 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