Braddy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

Etymology of Braddy

What does the name Braddy mean?

The Irish name Braddy originally appeared in Gaelic as Mac Bradaigh, possibly derived from bradach, which means spirited, which is in turn derived from brad, which means urging.

Early Origins of the Braddy family

The surname Braddy was first found in Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, and County Clare where they held a family seat from ancient times.

They were descended from Olioll Olum, King of Munster who reigned about 130 A.D. and descended through a line of Chiefs and Kings to John O'Grady, alias O'Brady, who died in 1332 in the Clann territories of Fassaghmore in the county of Clare. His son, Sir Denis O'Grady alias O'Brady of Fassaghmore was knighted by King Henry VI of England.

This great confusion of names continued into the 14th and 15th century and to make matters even more confusing the line frequently reverted from one spelling to the other. The Clann seat became established at Kilballyowen in County Limerick, and the present Chief of the Gradys (or Bradys) is one of the few Chiefs recognized in Ireland. He is Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Vogors de Courcy O'Grady. They were settled in Glenstal Abbey. Many of the name were also found in Cavan.

Early History of the Braddy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Braddy research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1454, 1710, 1752 and 1827 are included under the topic Early Braddy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Braddy Spelling Variations

One must realize that attempting to record a Gaelic name in English was a daunting task. Even today the translation is a difficult one. Accordingly, spelling variations were the norm. Variations found include Grady, Brady, O'Grady, O'Brady, Braidy, Graidy, Bradie, Braidie, Braydy, Braydie, Gradie, Graidie, Graydy, Graydie, Bradigan, O'Bradigan and many more.

Early Notables of the Braddy family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was Sir Denis O'Brady; Andrew MacBrady, was the first bishop of Kilmore in 1454; Fiachra MacBrady (c.1710), Gaelic poet; James Bernard MacBrady, Count of the Holy Roman Empire...
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Braddy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Braddy Ranking

In the United States, the name Braddy is the 8,001^st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Braddy migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Braddy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

John B. Braddy, a schoolmaster, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
Elizabeth Servant Braddy, aged 123, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Constantine"

Contemporary Notables of the name Braddy (post 1700) +

Arthur L. Braddy III (b. 1985), American actor from Queens, New York, known for Young Gods of the New City, Gutter King (2010) and Gone (2023)
Robert L. Braddy Sr. (b. 1941), American college baseball coach who spent 27 years as the coach for Jackson State University, inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016
Yolanda Braddy, American costume designer and actress, known for Space Jam (1996), Shayla's Catch Prequel (2020) and Blankman (1994)
Jon Braddy, American writer, known for The Spotter (2021), Voices Boricuas (2020) and Puerto Ricans Ascending (2019)
Jack Braddy, American actor, writer and producer, known for Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)
Johanna Braddy, American actress from Atlanta, Georgia, known for her work in Greek (2007), Video Game High School (2012) and Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
Paul Joseph Braddy (b. 1939), Australian state politician, 28th Deputy Premier of Queensland (2000)
Craig Braddy (b. 1959), former Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy and the Sydney Swans in the Victorian Football League during the 1980s, brother to Shane Braddy
Shane Braddy (b. 1960), former Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne in the Victorian Football League in 1981
Pauline Braddy Williams (1922-1996), American jazz drummer with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, known as "Queen of the Drums"

Sources +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/