"broad valley, wide clearing"
Origin: Old English brad
Language: English
Brad
Pronunciation: [ br-AD ]
Does Brad flow with your last name?
A one-syllable powerhouse from the golden age of American names
English
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Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"short form of Bradley or Bradford"
Origin: Old English place names
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Has become associated with the 'Chad/Brad' stereotype of conventional masculine names from the 1980s-90s in internet culture
The Story of Brad
Brad is a short form of Bradley or Bradford, both Old English place names and surnames. Bradley means 'broad woodland clearing' from 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (clearing). Bradford means 'broad ford' from 'brad' (broad) and 'ford' (a river crossing). As a standalone given name, Brad became popular in the mid-20th century as Americans embraced short, punchy names.
Brad peaked in popularity in the 1960s-70s US, associated with the clean-cut, athletic American male. Actor Brad Pitt sustained the name's cultural presence through his decades-long stardom beginning in the 1990s.
Brad became one of the quintessential American male names of the post-WWII generation, alongside names like Chad, Todd, and Greg. In recent decades, it has acquired some ironic baggage from its association with a certain preppy 1980s archetype.
Historical Record
Brad first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 81,503 babies have been named Brad in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Brad is past its peak , currently ranked #4,135 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Brad Pitt has appeared on Forbes' highest-paid actor lists multiple times over three decades
- The name Brad entered the US top 100 in 1951 and stayed there for over 30 years
Brad in Other Languages
French
Brad
German
Brad
English
Brad
Spanish
Brad
Japanese
ブラッド
Popularity Over Time
#4,135
Current Rank
Peaked 1975
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Brad
B
Brad Pitt
Actor
1963
Oscar-winning American actor and producer, one of Hollywood's most iconic stars for over three decades
B
Brad Bird
Other
1957
Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille
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Compare Brad with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #4,135
- Total SSA Count
- 26
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Brad
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Brad is also used as a girl name, ranked #11539.
View Brad as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brad
What does the name Brad mean?
"broad valley, wide clearing" (from Old English brad). "short form of Bradley or Bradford" (from Old English place names). Brad is a short form of Bradley or Bradford, both Old English place names and surnames. Bradley means 'broad woodland clearing' from 'brad' (broad) and 'leah' (clearing). Bradford means 'broad ford' from 'brad' (broad) and 'ford' (a river crossing). As a standalone given name, Brad became popular in the mid-20th century as Americans embraced short, punchy names.
What is the origin of the name Brad?
Brad has Old English brad, Old English place names, English, and American origins. In Old English brad, it means "broad valley, wide clearing". In Old English place names, it means "short form of Bradley or Bradford".
Is Brad a boy or girl name?
Brad is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4135. As a girl name, it is ranked #11539. Brad is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Brad?
Brad is pronounced br-AD.
How popular is the name Brad?
Brad is currently ranked #4135 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Brad?
Popular middle name pairings include Brad James, Brad Allen, Brad Lee, Brad Thomas, Brad Scott, Brad Michael, and Brad Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Brad?
Names that pair well with Brad as siblings include Chad, Todd, Greg, Tiffany, Jennifer, Ashley, and Heather.
How many syllables does Brad have?
Brad has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Brad a common or rare name?
Brad is an uncommon name, ranked #4135 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Brad?
About the Name Brad
Brad is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "broad valley, wide clearing" in Old English brad .
Is Brad a boy or girl name? Brad is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,135 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #11,539. Brad is more commonly used as a boy name.
Brad is currently ranked #4,135 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Brad has 1 syllable and is pronounced br-AD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Brad include Braxton, Brayden, Brandon, Brady, Bradley . 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