Brad

Brad means “broad” or “wide,” suggesting openness and scope.

Brad - Explore the Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

BRAD is a concise Old English name meaning “broad” or “wide,” often symbolizing openness, expansiveness, and an adventurous spirit. This page explores the name’s meaning and symbolism, historical origin, typical gender usage, popularity over time, and related names.

Gender Male
Origin Old English
Meaning Broad,wide
Popularity Moderate

Meaning of the Name Brad

The name Brad carries the connotation of being broad or wide, often interpreted as a metaphor for expansive thoughts or landscapes. Derived from Old English, this name suggests openness and adventure. Individuals named Brad may thus be seen as having a broad-minded or wide-ranging perspective.

Origin of the Name Brad

The name Brad has its roots in the British Isles, specifically from Old English. It was originally a surname indicative of someone who lived by a broad clearing in the woods. Over time, Brad evolved to become a given name, conveying a sense of openness tied to its geographic origins.

Brad Artistic Tattoo Concepts Collection

Watercolor splash tattoo concept where the name brad is painted in flowing, colorful brushy lettering on a white background.

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A fluid watercolor tattoo concept where the name "brad" is painted in soft, bleeding inks and dreamy color transitions on a clean white background.

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A surreal tattoo concept featuring the name "brad" as morphing, impossible structures floating in a minimalist dreamscape on white.

Trash Polka style tattoo concept with the name brad in distressed black lettering, slashed by red strokes on a white background.

Brad Trash Polka High-Contrast Tattoo Concept

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Brad AI-Original-Style Dimensional Ink Concept

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Gender Association of the Name Brad

Globally, the name Brad is commonly associated with the male gender. In nations such as the United States and Canada, it is typically used for males. Notable individuals include Brad Pitt from the entertainment industry. Instances of females carrying the name are unusual, reflecting its predominantly masculine usage.

Popularity of the Name Brad

The name Brad experienced significant popularity in the United States during the mid to late 20th century, often ranking among the top names for boys. Its usage has waned in recent decades but remains familiar in regions like Canada and Australia where its popularity has stabilized, giving it enduring recognition.

Global Usage of the Name Brad

Internationally, Brad is recognized across North America, Europe, and the Australasia region. The pronunciation and form remain largely consistent owing to its single-syllable structure. It maintains a neutral presence in most cultures, though it's most commonly seen in English-speaking countries.

Global Distribution & Gender Ratio

Usage and gender distribution of the name Brad across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.

United States 85.04%
♀ Female: 0.34% ♂ Male: 99.66%
Canada 4.98%
♀ Female: 0.22% ♂ Male: 99.78%
Australia 3.05%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%
United Kingdom 1.59%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%
South Africa 0.47%
♀ Female: 2.33% ♂ Male: 97.67%

Analysis of gender and popularity by country is derived from data available on Gender API.

Similar Names Related with the Name Brad

  1. B

    Brody

    Suggesting a ditch or muddy place in its Gaelic origins, Brody is akin in its simple pronunciation alongside Brad.

Characteristic Features of People Named Brad

Adventurous

Individuals named Brad are often seen as ready for new experiences and eager to explore.

Charismatic

Brads tend to have a magnetic personality that draws people to them.

Open-minded

Reflecting the meaning of their name, they are typically open to new ideas and perspectives.

Confidence

Many Brads exude a strong sense of self-assurance.

Leadership

They frequently take charge in situations, guiding others with ease.

Empathetic

Known for their ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Ambitious

Often driven to achieve their goals, regardless of the challenges.

Innovative

Many are creative thinkers who seek out new solutions and approaches.

Resilient

They are able to recover from setbacks swiftly and efficiently.

Sociable

Enjoy engaging with others, building strong social networks.

Common Career Paths for People Named Brad

Entertainment Industry

Many Brads have found success as actors, directors, and entertainers, such as Brad Pitt.

Business Leadership

Bradd are often drawn to roles where they can lead and innovate.

Sports

The name is synonymously linked with tenacity, lending many Brads to excel in professional sports.

Technology

Driven by a need to innovate, some Brads pursue careers in tech fields.

Creative Arts

Engaging in music, writing, or other forms of art is common.

Public Speaking

Charismatic Brads shine in motivational speaking and community leadership roles.

Law

Their strong sense of justice often sees them thrive in legal professions.

Counseling

With their empathetic nature, many find fulfillment in therapy or life coaching.

Marketing

Known for their knack for communication, many thrive in marketing and PR.

Entrepreneurship

The drive to take on ventures often sees them creating successful businesses.

Unique and Interesting Characteristics of the Name Brad

  1. Pop Culture Presence

    The name Brad is well-represented in pop culture, with figures like Brad Pitt achieving iconic status. It also features in storylines in various films and television series.

  2. Film Influence

    Brad has been the character name for protagonists in well-known movies, often portraying strong yet relatable figures.

  3. Historical Reference

    Historically, the name was more common as a surname indicating one's locale, such as in 'broad' meadow or clearing.

  4. Literary Mentions

    The name appears in numerous books where it is often associated with characters exhibiting strong-will and leadership qualities.

  5. Fictional Representation

    Various fiction stories utilize the name for its masculine and straightforward aura, often akin to a hero or protagonist.

  6. Symmetry and Sound

    Its single-syllable construction makes Brad phonetically appealing, contributing to its continuous use.

  7. Cross-Cultural Consistency

    While predominantly Western, Brad's pronunciation remains fairly consistent across different languages.

  8. Naming Tradition

    Often used in memory or honor within families, contributing to its traditional appeal.

Famous People Named Brad

  • Brad Pitt: Actor and Film Producer
  • Brad Paisley: Country Music Singer and Songwriter
  • Brad Garrett: Actor and Stand-up Comedian
  • Brad Stevens: Basketball Coach
  • Brad Dourif: Actor
  • Brad Furman: Film Director

Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Brad

Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Brad.

What is the meaning of the name Brad?

The name Brad means broad or wide, suggesting openness and expansiveness.

Where did the name Brad originate?

The name Brad originates from the British Isles, specifically derived from Old English.

Is Brad a male or female name?

Brad is predominantly a male name, associated with masculine qualities.

How popular is the name Brad?

Brad was highly popular in the US in the 20th century but has seen a decline in recent years.

How is the name Brad used globally?

Brad is widely used in English-speaking countries like North America and Australia.

What careers are common for people named Brad?

Careers in entertainment, business leadership, and sports are common among individuals named Brad.

What are some similar names to Brad?

Similar names to Brad include Brett, Brent, Chad, and Blake.

Who are some famous people named Brad?

Famous people named Brad include actor Brad Pitt and musician Brad Paisley.