Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Updated Privacy
      • Updated Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Bradley

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      From the Broad Meadow

      Variations

      Bradlee, Brauley, Brawley
      The name Bradley, derived from the English language, has its origins in the phrase From the Broad Meadow. This name signifies an individual's association with a geographical location characterized by extensive open grasslands. The name Bradley can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it first emerged as a name in England. During this time, names were often derived from various factors, including a person's occupation, place of origin, or physical attributes. In the case of Bradley, it denoted a specific connection to a particular meadow.

      Throughout history, the name Bradley has been found in various records and documents, showcasing its presence in different periods and regions. It was common for families to adopt names in medieval England, and the name Bradley gained prominence as families settled across the country. Over time, the name became associated with individuals who possessed land or held some significance in their community. This association with land ownership or connection to a specific locality contributed to the presence of the name Bradley in historical records.

      Today, the name Bradley continues to be used as both a first and last name, remaining prevalent in English-speaking regions and beyond. Its origins rooted in the English language give it a sense of tradition and history. With its simple and straightforward pronunciation, Bradley remains a popular choice for parents seeking a familiar and meaningful moniker for their children. Whether being used as a first or last name, Bradley stands as a testament to the enduring nature of names and their ability to connect individuals to their ancestral past.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Bradley.

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Bradley.

      Bradley

      This is the most common name for a child of a Bradley.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1960 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bradley.

      Explore the origins of another name.