Origin & Meaning of the Bradley Surname
What does the last name Bradley mean?
The surname Bradley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 136,720 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bradley ranks as the #208 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bradley come from?
The Bradley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Bradley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bradley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Bradley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #208 |
| US Count (2010) | 136,720 |
| Per 100K People | 46.35 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bradley
According to the US Census, the Bradley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 136,720 Americans with the Bradley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.12% |
| Black | 25.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 2.19% |
Popularity of Bradley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bradley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bradley surname increased by 5,431 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bradley
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