Bradley
Bradley first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1980, when 7,210 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 794.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Bradley popular?
Declining Bradley is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1980 peak.
| 2020s | 5,875 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 20,160 | |
| 2000s | 23,618 | |
| 1990s | 48,086 | |
| 1980s | 69,352 | |
| 1970s | 58,678 | |
| 1960s | 48,730 | |
| 1950s | 29,507 | |
| 1940s | 5,532 | |
| 1930s | 1,830 | |
| 1920s | 873 | |
| 1910s | 479 | |
| 1900s | 128 | |
| 1890s | 118 | |
| 1880s | 42 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Bradley mean?
Bradley comes from an English surname and place name meaning “broad meadow.” It has long doubled as a popular first name.
Nicknames for Bradley
- Brad
Variants & spellings
- Bradly
- Bradleigh
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Bradley a boy or a girl name?
Bradley is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Bradley a popular name right now?
Bradley is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1980 peak.
How popular is the name Bradley?
In 2025, Bradley ranked #403 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Bradley most popular?
Bradley was most popular in 1980, when about 7,210 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Bradley?
Common nicknames for Bradley include Brad.