Declining since 1986, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Bradly since 1946
Babies named Bradly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 57 |
| 1950s | 567 |
| 1960s | 1,163 |
| 1970s | 1,629 |
| 1980s | 2,111 |
| 1990s | 1,980 |
| 2000s | 1,235 |
| 2010s | 509 |
| 2020s | 92 |
Meaning & origin
Bradly is a spelling variant of the more common Bradley, an English surname-turned-given name meaning 'broad meadow'. It first appeared on U.S. records in 1946 and peaked in popularity in 1990, when it ranked highest among baby names. Since 1986, its usage has been in decline, reflecting a broader trend away from mid-century surname names. In the latest year (2025), Bradly ranked 7679, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 170,808 births. Though never reaching the top tiers of popularity, Bradly has maintained a consistent if modest presence, especially during the 1990s when similar Western-style names were fashionable.
Bradly is a variant spelling of Bradley, an English surname and place name derived from the Old English elements 'brād' (broad) and 'lēah' (wood, clearing, meadow). The name originally referred to someone who lived near a broad meadow or clearing. As a given name, Bradley rose in popularity in the mid-20th century, and the spelling Bradly emerged as a less common variant, first recorded in the U.S. in 1946.
Where Bradly 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brad
Sibling names for Bradly
Names that share Bradly's style, for a brother or sister.
