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Brad Boy

Popularity: #898 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationbrad / /bræd/

English; Old English

Meaning

Broad; wide

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Brad is derived from the Old English word "brad," which means "broad" or "wide." This term is rooted in the Proto-Germanic *bradaz, which also conveys the sense of breadth. The name likely evolved as a short form of names such as Bradford or Bradley, which incorporate the Old English "ford" (a river crossing) or "leah" (a clearing), respectively, indicating geographical features. The transition into English occurred during the early medieval period, as Old English evolved into Middle English, with the name becoming more recognizable in its modern form by the 19th century.

Historically, the name Brad does not have significant biblical or royal associations, but it has been used in various literary contexts. The name gained some prominence in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a given name. While it does not have a specific saint or major historical figure associated with it, its usage in literature and popular culture has contributed to its recognition. The name's simplicity and strong phonetic quality have made it appealing in various contexts.

Culturally, Brad has been associated with traits such as strength and reliability, reflecting its etymological roots in the concept of breadth. The name has also been used in various diminutive forms, such as "Brady," which has its own distinct etymological background but shares a similar phonetic quality. Overall, Brad's endurance as a name can be attributed to its straightforwardness and the positive connotations associated with its meaning.

Trend Summary

Brad experienced peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Bradley

International Variants

Famous people named Brad

Brad Pitt is an actor and producer best known for Fight Club, Se7en, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Brad Bird is a director and producer best known for The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Iron Giant.

Brad Paisley is a country music singer and songwriter best known for Mud on the Tires, Whiskey Lullaby, and Remind Me.

Brad Garrett is an actor and comedian best known for Everybody Loves Raymond, Finding Nemo, and The Incredible Hulk.

Fictional characters named Brad

Brad Majors is a fictional character from the musical and film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He is a wholesome and naive young man who becomes embroiled in a bizarre adventure after seeking help from Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Brad was first seen in the United States in 1880. Brad has ranked as high as #291 nationally, which occurred in 1960, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Brad has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Brad (2023)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18876
19145
19175
19186
192011
19255
19269
19286
19295
19308
193110
19327
193312
193417
193527
193619
193730
193818
193930
194031
194136
194260
194365
194467
194573
1946163
1947230
1948266
1949307
1950460
1951615
1952965
19531,651
19541,845
19551,877
19562,254
19572,191
19582,255
19592,348
19602,647
19612,500
19622,082
19632,274
19642,279
19652,090
19661,896
19671,771
19681,709
19692,106
19702,326
19712,165
19721,748
19731,885
19742,483
19752,610
19762,437
19772,524
19782,107
19792,334
19802,371
19811,958
19821,687
19831,471
19841,237
19851,143
19861,102
19871,026
1988835
1989750
1990649
1991566
1992471
1993456
1994383
1995398
1996419
1997388
1998338
1999307
2000289
2001263
2002231
2003215
2004212
2005228
2006214
2007206
2008166
2009145
2010117
2011117
201299
201386
201476
201588
201650
201755
201854
201940
202041
202136
202232
202328
202426