Where does “Bradley” come from?

Bradley derives from Old English lēah combined with Proto-Germanic braidaz, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European lewk- meaning "to shine" or "bright."

Ancestry of “Bradley”, step by step

Step	Language	Word	Meaning
1	Old English	lēah	meadow; clearing with a pigsty; woodland,...
2	Proto-West Germanic	lauh	clearing; meadow
3	Proto-Germanic	lauhaz	clearing; meadow
4	Proto-Indo-European	lówkos	clearing; open space, clearing; field, meadow
5	Proto-Indo-European	lewḱ-	lynx
6	Proto-Indo-European	lewk-	bright; to shine; to see

Bradley — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer