Bradley is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "brad" which means "broad". The name Bradley originally referred to someone who lived near broad lands or meadows. The name has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, but it was not particularly common until the 20th century.
The meaning of Bradley is often interpreted as "wide meadow" or "broad wood", reflecting its origins in Old English place names. However, some people believe that the name also carries connotations of strength and courage, due to its association with broad-shouldered men who worked hard on the land.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Bradley. One of the most famous is Sir Robert Bradley, a 16th-century English explorer who sailed around the world with Sir Francis Drake. Another notable figure is Tom Bradley, who served as mayor of Los Angeles from 1973 to 1993 and was the first African American to hold that office.
Today, Bradley continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, distinctive name for their sons. It has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys in the United States since the 1980s. Despite its popularity, however, Bradley remains a classic name with deep historical roots and a unique meaning that makes it stand out from other common choices.
The name Bradly experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, peaking at 214 births in 1980. However, it has since declined steadily, with only 12 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were 9,318 babies named Bradly between 1946 and 2023.