Brad is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent decades. It is a short form or nickname for the name Bradley, which itself is derived from an Old English surname meaning "broad meadow." The name Brad evokes images of strength and stability, much like its meadow origins.
The use of Brad as a given name began to rise in popularity during the mid-20th century. It reached its peak in the United States in the 1970s and has maintained steady usage since then. Despite not being particularly popular today, it remains a well-established name with a timeless appeal.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Brad or Bradley, contributing to its enduring fame. These include American actor Brad Pitt, known for his roles in films such as "Thelma & Louise" and "Fight Club," and Australian actor Bradenton Foster, who played the title role in the popular TV series "Prison Break."
Overall, the name Brad offers a blend of traditional and modern appeal, with its strong roots and enduring popularity. Its meaning adds to its attractiveness, as it suggests qualities of openness and expansiveness, much like a broad meadow. For parents seeking a name that combines strength, stability, and timelessness, Brad is an excellent choice.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the name Brad in the United States.
From 1880 to around 1945, the number of babies named Brad remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 and 73 births per year. However, starting from 1946, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Brad, with 163 births recorded that year.
This upward trend continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, reaching its peak in 1969 with 2,326 births. This indicates that during these decades, the name Brad was particularly favored by parents across the United States.
However, after the 1970s, the popularity of the name Brad began to decline gradually. Between 1980 and 2005, the number of annual births with the name Brad fluctuated between 237 and 263, showing a steady decrease in popularity.
From 2006 onwards, the name Brad continued to become less common, with fewer than 250 babies named Brad each year. In recent years, from 2018 to 2023, the number of annual births with the name Brad has remained below 50.
In total, between 1880 and 2023, there have been 83,017 babies named Brad born in the United States. Although the popularity of this name has ebbed and flowed over time, it has consistently been a choice for parents throughout American history.