Bradley

Origin and Meaning

Bradley is a popular surname of English origin, derived from the Old English words "brad" meaning broad or wide, and "leah" meaning clearing or meadow. As a result, the name Bradley likely originated as a toponymic surname, referring to someone who lived near a broad meadow.

History

The Bradley surname has a long history in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. The name can be found throughout different regions of England, especially in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the West Midlands.

Notable People with the Surname Bradley

  • Bill Bradley (1943-): American former basketball player and politician.
  • Fanny Bradley (1850-1925): British nurse known for her work during the Crimean War.
  • Omar Bradley (1893-1981): American Army general who served in World War II.

Pop Culture References

The surname Bradley has been used in various works of fiction, including literature, television, and film. Notable fictional characters with the last name Bradley include Arthur "Artie" Nielsen from the TV show "Warehouse 13" and Professor Charles Xavier from the "X-Men" series.

Distribution

The Bradley surname is prevalent not only in the United Kingdom but also in countries with historical ties to British colonization, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the Surname

Variations of the Bradley surname include Bradly, Bradleigh, and Bradlee.

Coat of Arms

The Bradley family crest features a shield with a blue background, three silver crosses, and a gold chevron. This coat of arms typically represents qualities such as honor, loyalty, and bravery.

There are approximately 50,350 people named Bradley in the UK. That makes it the 139th most common surname in Britain. Around 773 in a million people in Britain are named Bradley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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