Everything you need to know about the Irish surname Brady - its meaning, origins, interesting facts and famous people with the last name Brady.

Irish derivation: Mac Bradaigh

Name meaning: "Son of the spirited one"

Counties associated with the name: Leitrim, Dublin, Armagh, Meath, Longford, Tyrone, Cavan

Coat of arms motto: "The right hand is clear."

Interesting Facts: 

  • Recently became a popular first name in the United States.

Famous Bradys:

  • Alice Brady (1892–1939), American silent-film actress, Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner)
  • Andrew MacBrady (1454-, he was the first bishop of Kilmore to provide a cathedral church for the diocese)
  • Charles E. Brady, Jr. (1951–2006, American astronaut)
  • Gerard Brady (born 1936-, Irish Fianna Fáil politician and Minister for Education)
  • James Brady (born 1940-, American White House Press Secretary shot alongside President Ronald Reagan)
  • Liam Brady (born 1956-, Irish soccer star, coach, and television pundit)
  • Mathew Brady (ca. 1823–1896, Irish-American photographer who documented the American Civil War)
  • Paul Brady (born 1947-, Irish singer/songwriter)
  • Tom Brady (1977-, American football player)  

* Originally published in 2018, updated in Sept 2022.

Are you a member of the Brady clan? Let us know in the comments, below!