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Bradley
Fact sheet
- Name
- Bradley
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Bradley has its roots in an old English surname derived from a geographical designation. Translated, the name means "the broad clearing," "the wide forest clearing," or alternatively, "the expansive meadowland."
What does the name Bradley mean?
Bradley is a masculine first name that originates from an old English surname, which in turn is derived from a place name. Its direct translation is "the broad clearing," "the wide forest clearing," or "the expansive meadowland." The name's origin consists of the Old English components brād, meaning "broad," "flat," "open," or "extensive," and lēah, which describes "the forest," "the meadow," "the clearing," or "the pasture." Additionally, Bradley is considered the English form of the Irish Gaelic name O'Brolachán. Other variants include Bradly and Brad.
Where does the name Bradley come from?
The origin of the name Bradley is Old English and means "the broad clearing." It is composed of the Old English words brād, meaning "broad," "flat," "open," or "extensive," and lēah, meaning "the forest," "the meadow," "the clearing," or "the pasture." The language is English.
How do you pronounce Bradley?
The pronunciation of Bradley: The name Bradley has two syllables and is characterized by a strong consonant structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually rendered as "Brad-ley" [ˈbʁædli], with the initial consonant cluster creating a strong start. The short vowel in the middle feels compact, while the ending "-ley" fades gently and softly. Bradley conveys a modern and confident feeling - dynamic, present, and international.
Popularity
In Germany, Bradley is a common first name. Currently, it ranks 4,024th on the list of the most popular male baby names. Its best placement was in 2007 when it reached 1,124th place. Over the last ten years, Bradley has been chosen around 100 times as a first name, placing it 2,463rd in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 2,621st.
Nicknames & pet names
Brabo / Brad / Braddy / Brett / Dly
Famous people
- Brad(ley) Greenquist (actor from the USA)
- Brad(ley) Pitt (actor (Mr.&MrsSmith)
- Bradley Adams (English film producer)
- Bradley August (footballer from South Africa)
- Bradley Barker (American actor)
- Bradley Barritt (South African rugby player)
- Bradley Carnell (South African footballer)
- Bradley Cooper (actor (Hangover)
- Bradley Darryl Wong (American actor)
- Bradley Diallo (football player from France)
- Bradley Eustace (Australian composer)
- Bradley Fish (American musician)
- Bradley Fuller (American film producer)
- Bradley Gamble (football player from England)
- Bradley Iles (New Zealand golfer)
- Bradley James (actor (Merlin)
- Bradley Kirk Arnold (singer of the band 3 Doors Down)
- Bradley Klahn (American tennis player)
- Bradley Kruger (cricketer from the Netherlands)
- Bradley Manning (US soldier)
Frequently asked questions about the name Bradley
What is the meaning of the name Bradley?
Bradley means 'the broad clearing' and is composed of the Old English words for 'broad' and 'forest clearing.'
Where does the name Bradley come from?
The origin of the name Bradley is Old English and refers to geographical features, particularly clearings and forests.
How popular is the name Bradley?
Bradley has moderate popularity in various countries, especially in English-speaking regions, and is often regarded as a classic name.