Declining since 1986, #403 for boys today.
Popularity of Bradley since 1880
Babies named Bradley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 42 |
| 1890s | 118 |
| 1900s | 128 |
| 1910s | 479 |
| 1920s | 873 |
| 1930s | 1,830 |
| 1940s | 5,532 |
| 1950s | 29,507 |
| 1960s | 48,730 |
| 1970s | 58,678 |
| 1980s | 69,352 |
| 1990s | 48,086 |
| 2000s | 23,618 |
| 2010s | 20,160 |
| 2020s | 5,875 |
Meaning & origin
Bradley carries the sturdy, pastoral meaning of "broad wood" or "broad clearing," rooted in Old English place names and surnames. In the United States, Bradley's highest popularity came in 1980, when it held a peak rank. As of 2025, it sits at rank 403, given to about 1 in 2,151 baby boys. It has been on a falling trajectory since 1986, but it remains a familiar, unpretentious choice. The name has seen its strongest usage in states like Maine, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Parents drawn to Bradley may appreciate its outdoorsy, Anglo-Saxon simplicity and the approachable nickname Brad.
Bradley is an English surname and given name derived from a place name meaning "broad wood" or "broad clearing," from the Old English elements "brad" (broad) and "leah" (woodland, clearing). It originated as a locational surname for people from any of the numerous places called Bradley in England. The given name arose in the 19th century as part of the trend of adopting surnames as first names, and it gained significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1980s.
Where Bradley is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Bradley” around the world
Where Bradley lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
65
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brad
Sibling names for Bradley
Names that share Bradley's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ashley, Courtney, Whitney, Lindsey, Kelsey, Melaney, Randi, Angelyn, Finlee, Joscelyn, Keirsten, Leslee, Lindley, Lyndsay, Randee, Amberley, Belynda, Berkleigh, Desaray, Frady, Janalyn, Kersten, Kimberlea, Landra, Taralyn, Wendelyn, Aslee, Brittain, Chenell, Deanndra, Lezley, Lynley, Marshelle, Salinda, Symantha, Waverley, Yardley, Barabara, Shellye, Annleigh, Jacqueli, Jilliane, Joselynne, Josselyne, Ketrina, Kimley, Leslea, Meridee, Reylene
Brothers: Brandon, Brent, Brett, Blake, Derek, Brandt, Derick, Chadrick, Jerrett, Andrick, Blanton, Drayson, Kimble, Rocket, Brentt, Chadric, Cordney, Durham, Kendrik, Woodley, Bradrick, Derec, Rodderick
Names like Bradley
Names whose popularity has moved with Bradley's over the last 50 years.
