Brady

Origin of the Name: The surname Brady is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Brádaigh," meaning the "son of Brádach." The name Brádach itself is thought to mean "spirited" or "spirited one."

History: The Brady surname has a long history in Ireland and is believed to have originated in County Cavan. The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the 9th century when the Bradys were chiefs of the Clan Braithre. The clan was known for its strong ties to the land and its military prowess.

During the period of English colonization and the Plantation of Ireland, many Bradys remained loyal to their Gaelic heritage and resisted the influence of the English settlers. As a result, the name Brady became associated with a sense of independence and resilience.

Notable Individuals:

  • Alice Brady (1892-1939): An American actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1937.
  • Tom Brady (born 1977): An American football quarterback known for his successful career with the New England Patriots and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Nicholas Brady (1659-1726): An English poet and author who is best known for his collaboration with Nahum Tate on the New Version of the Psalms of David.

Variants of the Name: Variants of the Brady surname include MacBrady, McBrady, MacCready, Bradye, and Braddy.

Popularity: The surname Brady remains a relatively common name in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it is also a popular surname, particularly among individuals of Irish descent.

Coat of Arms: The Brady family coat of arms features a shield with a red background and a chevron embattled ermines between three silver trefoils. The crest depicts a silver lion sejant rampant.

References:

  • O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees: Or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. Library of Alexandria, 1876.
  • Reaney, Percy H., and Wilson, Richard M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 2006.

There are approximately 20,113 people named Brady in the UK. That makes it the 426th most common surname in Britain. Around 309 in a million people in Britain are named Brady.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.