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.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Bradly:
The popularity of the name Bradly has fluctuated over time in the United States. It started with a low figure of just five births in 1946, but it steadily gained traction over the next few years. By 1957, there were already 73 births, marking a significant increase.
The peak popularity of the name Bradly occurred between 1970 and 1982. During this period, the number of annual births with the name Bradly hovered around or exceeded 200 each year. The highest figure was reached in 1982, with 219 births.
However, after its peak in popularity, the usage of the name Bradly began to decline gradually but consistently. From 1983 onwards, the number of annual births named Bradly fell below 200 each year. This downward trend continued until the early 2000s when the figure dropped below 100 births per year.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Bradly has maintained a consistent presence in recent years. Between 2015 and 2023, the number of annual births named Bradly ranged between 12 and 35, showing that it continues to be chosen for newborns, albeit at a lower frequency than before.
In total, from 1946 until 2023, there have been 9318 births in the United States with the name Bradly. This figure reflects the enduring appeal of this name over time, despite its fluctuations in popularity.