Bradley
Meaning of Bradley
Bradley began life as an English place-name meaning “broad meadow,” and it still carries that easy-going, wide-open-fields vibe wherever it goes. Pronounced simply BRAD-lee, it feels solid in the mouth yet light on its feet—think firm handshake, followed by a friendly grin. Pop culture has sprinkled in a dash of star power through actor Bradley Cooper and the countless “Brad” characters who always seem to get the winning line, but the name never drifts into diva territory; it stays grounded, like a well-worn pair of sneakers left by the back door. After peaking in the electric ’80s and ’90s, Bradley has settled into a sweet spot: familiar enough for teachers to spell without a pause, rare enough for a boy to feel he’s got something all his own. Rooted in green English pastures and forever looking toward a fresh horizon, Bradley quietly invites its bearer to roam, explore, and make his own patch of earth a little broader.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as BRAD-lee (/ˈbrædli/)
British English
- Pronunced as BRAD-lee (/ˈbrɑdli/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Bradley
| Bradley Cooper is an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker with a BAFTA and three Grammys, many Academy Award nominations, films grossing over 13 billion dollars worldwide, and recognition on Time 100, Forbes Celebrity 100, and highest paid actor lists. |
| Bradley Emmanuel Beal Sr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers, nicknamed the Big Panda, and a three time NBA All Star with one All NBA Third Team honor. |
| Bradley Edward Wright-Phillips is an English former striker now a football pundit and studio host on MLS Season Pass. |
| Bradley Whitford is an American actor and producer best known for playing Josh Lyman on The West Wing, winning a 2001 Emmy and earning three consecutive Golden Globe nominations. |
| Bradley Austin Chubb is an American NFL linebacker for the Miami Dolphins who played at NC State and was a 2018 first round pick by the Denver Broncos. |
| Bradley Pinion is an American NFL punter and kickoff specialist for the Atlanta Falcons who played at Clemson, was a 2015 fifth round pick of the 49ers, and also played for the Buccaneers. |
| Bradley Ellingboe is an American composer and conductor and a bass baritone singer. |
| Bradley Steven Perry is an American actor, podcaster, and YouTuber best known as Gabe on Good Luck Charlie, Kaz on Mighty Med and Lab Rats Elite Force, and for roles in Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, Pants on Fire, and Hubie Halloween. |
| Bradley Roberts is a former rugby union player who played hooker for Dragons RFC and was called up to the Wales national team in 2021. |
| American freestyle skier Bradley Wilson, younger brother of Olympic bronze medalist Bryon Wilson, grew up in Butte, Montana building and skiing their own moguls courses. |
