Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Brady
BoyIrish· “uncertain; from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- uncertain; from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- BRAY-dee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #321
- US babies 2025
- 1,071
- Best rank
- #93 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Brady
Brady is often said to mean “uncertain; from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Brady comes from the Irish surname Mac Brádaigh, meaning "son of Brádach", associated with County Cavan. The meaning of the underlying name is uncertain; it is sometimes connected with a word for "spirited" or "broad", but none of these explanations is settled. In the United States Brady has been used as a first name since the later twentieth century, and it is widely associated with sports through the quarterback Tom Brady. The name is friendly, sporty and easygoing, with a simple two-syllable rhythm. It sits comfortably beside similar names such as Grady, Cody and Brody.
Popularity over time
Brady first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 142 different years, starting in 1883. Its best national rank was #93 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,951 babies. In 2025, 1,071 babies were named Brady, and it ranked #321 nationally. That is 47% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #655 in 1920, #685 in 1950, #340 in 1980, #189 in 2000, #126 in 2010, and #321 in 2025. Of the 96,770 US boys named Brady since records began, 35% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 21,727 babies. Since 2010, 28,524 more have been named Brady.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Miguel, Caden, Kaden, Tristan, and Kaleb.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Brady ranked highest in New Hampshire, Montana, and Arkansas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #130 | 11 |
| Montana | #150 | 9 |
| Arkansas | #181 | 20 |
| Delaware | #207 | 5 |
| Maine | #208 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Brady over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Brady is usually pronounced BRAY-dee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-dy”.
Middle names for Brady
A few middle names that flow with Brady: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Brady
Similar names
Brody Boy
BROH-dee
“from a Scottish and Irish surname” · Scottish
#236
Cody Boy
KOH-dee
“from an Irish surname” · Irish
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Grady Boy
GRAY-dee
“noble, illustrious” · Irish
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Andy Boy
AN-dee
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Connor Boy
KAH-nur
“lover of hounds” · Irish
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Brayden Boy
BRAY-duhn
“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
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Ayden Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
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Kayden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
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Aidan Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · Irish
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Bryan Boy
BRY-uhn
“possibly high or noble” · Irish
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Declan Boy
DEHK-luhn
“uncertain; often said full of goodness” · Irish
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Caden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#201
Lists that include Brady
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brady mean?
Brady is often said to mean “uncertain; from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Brady?
Brady has Irish roots. Brady comes from the Irish surname Mac Brádaigh, meaning "son of Brádach", associated with County Cavan.
Is Brady a popular name?
Yes. Brady ranked #321 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Brady a boy or girl name?
Brady is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Brady over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Brady?
Brady is usually pronounced BRAY-dee. 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