Bradley surname meaning

Bradley is chiefly a place-name surname. English locations called Bradley draw on Old English elements commonly explained as “broad wood” or “broad clearing,” so the name could identify someone from one of those settlements. The spelling also represents an anglicization of Irish Ó Brolacháin, a separate family tradition associated with Ulster and later migration. Bradly and Bradleigh are spelling relatives. Place is the best type for the English lead, but likely is more accurate than high because the Irish patronymic stream can be substantial in American records.