Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Bradley
BoyEnglish, Old English· “broad clearing”
- Meaning
- broad clearing
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- BRAD-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #403
- US babies 2025
- 794
- Best rank
- #47 (1970)
- Peak year
- 1980
Meaning and origin of Bradley
Bradley is an English and Old English name that means “broad clearing”.
Bradley comes from an English surname taken from several place names, made from the Old English brad, "broad," and leah, "woodland clearing" or "meadow." It became a given name in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and was especially popular in the late twentieth century. General Omar Bradley was a prominent American bearer. The name has a friendly, reliable sound and a traditional surname style. Brad is the usual nickname, and Bradley also fits well as a middle name for families who want a familiar, easygoing option.
Other spellings with the same sound: Bradlee.
Popularity over time
Bradley has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 140 different years. Its best national rank was #47 in 1970, and the most babies received it in 1980, when 7,210 were named Bradley. In 2025, 794 babies were named Bradley, and it ranked #403 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #692 in 1920, #152 in 1950, #51 in 1980, #131 in 2000, #185 in 2010, and #403 in 2025. Of the 313,008 US boys named Bradley since records began, 22% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 58,678 babies. Since 2010, 26,035 more have been named Bradley.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Erik, Derrick, Jesse, and Mario.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Bradley ranked highest in Maine, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #176 | 7 |
| Tennessee | #259 | 34 |
| New Jersey | #281 | 32 |
| Virginia | #296 | 28 |
| Florida | #301 | 64 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Bradley over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Bradley is usually pronounced BRAD-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with B and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Bradlee.
Middle names for Bradley
A few middle names that flow with Bradley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Bradley
Similar names
Harley Unisex
HAR-lee
“hare meadow” · Old English
#418
Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Stanley Boy
STAN-lee
“stony clearing” · Old English
#863
Westley Boy
WEHST-lee
“west meadow” · English
#619
Riley Unisex
RY-lee
“rye clearing” · English
#48
Jeffrey Boy
JEF-ree
“possibly territory of peace” · Germanic
#552
Joey Unisex
JOH-ee
“he will add; short for Joseph” · English
#877
Kingsley Unisex
KINGZ-lee
“king's wood” · Old English
#1,096
Hunter Boy
HUHN-tur
“hunter” · English
#130
Tyler Boy
TY-lur
“tile maker” · English
#220
Brandon Boy
BRAN-duhn
“broom-covered hill” · Old English
#261
Peyton Unisex
PAY-tuhn
“Pacca's town” · English
#199
Lists that include Bradley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bradley mean?
Bradley is an English and Old English name that means “broad clearing”.
What is the origin of the name Bradley?
Bradley has English and Old English roots. Bradley comes from an English surname taken from several place names, made from the Old English brad, "broad," and leah, "woodland clearing" or "meadow." It became a given name in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and was especially popular in the late twentieth century.
Is Bradley a popular name?
Yes. Bradley ranked #403 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Bradley a boy or girl name?
Bradley is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Bradley over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Bradley?
Bradley is usually pronounced BRAD-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings