Bradley

Pronunciation: [ br-ADL-ee ]

Girl Name #3,083 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A broad meadow name growing in fresh directions

English American Australian

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Meaning & Origin

"broad meadow, wide clearing"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Bradley

Bradley Cooper

Actor

1975

Academy Award-nominated American actor and director of A Star Is Born

Omar Bradley

Military

1893

Five-star American general who commanded US Army ground forces in WWII and was the last surviving five-star general

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

Brady #3636

Common Nicknames

Brad Lee Brads

Pairs Well With

Bradley Grace Bradley Rose Bradley Mae Bradley Claire Bradley Jane Bradley Lynn

Sibling Names

Parker Taylor Morgan Bailey Kendall Riley

Also a Boy Name

Bradley is also used as a boy name, ranked #365.

View Bradley as a boy name →

Similar Names

Leslie Bradley Audrey Grady Aubrey Hunter Brodie Henley

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.

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.