Bradley is a popular English given name that has gained international recognition over the years. It is derived from the Old English surname Bradlegh, which was originally an occupational name for someone who worked at a broad leafy clearing or wood. The name Bradley is composed of two elements: 'brad' meaning broad and 'leah' referring to a clearing in the woods.
The earliest known use of Bradley as a given name dates back to the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that it began to gain widespread popularity. In recent decades, Bradley has consistently ranked among the top 500 most popular boys' names in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Bradley. Some of these include American actors Tom Bradley (1942-2017) and Michael C. Hall ('Dexter' TV series), as well as British singer-songwriter Dave Gahan of the band Depeche Mode. These personalities may have contributed to the increased popularity of the name, but it is ultimately its strong meaning and appealing sound that have secured Bradley's place among popular baby names.
In terms of origin and history, Bradley stands out as an English occupational surname-turned-given-name with a compelling meaning rooted in nature. Its popularity has endured for several decades now, making it a classic yet modern choice for parents seeking a timeless name for their child.
The given statistics provide an overview of the number of births with the name Bradley in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The data shows a significant increase in the popularity of this name over time.
From 1880 to around 1945, the number of births named Bradley fluctuated between 5 and 342 births per year. However, starting from 1946, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name, with the number of births reaching 561 that year.
The trend continued to rise over the following decades, peaking at 7098 births in 1970 and maintaining an average of around 6000 births per year throughout the 1970s. The popularity of the name Bradley remained relatively stable during this period, with annual birth counts ranging between approximately 4500 to 7500.
However, from the mid-1980s onwards, there was a noticeable decline in the number of births named Bradley. This trend has continued until the present day, with the most recent data showing only 904 births in 2023. Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 311277 births named Bradley in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of names can change significantly over time and across generations. It is also interesting to note that despite the decline in recent years, Bradley remains a popular name for newborns in the United States today.