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

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • 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
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Bradley

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      From the Broad Meadow

      Variations 
      Bradlee, Brauley, Brawley

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      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...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Bradley.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Bradley.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Bradley.

      Bradley

      is the most common child name for Bradley.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1960 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bradley.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.