Brady (surname)

The surname Brady is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Brádaigh, meaning "son of Brádach." The personal name Brádach is derived from the word brád, meaning "spirited," "proud," "large-chested," or "broad." Thus, the surname Brady signifies descent from a proud or spirited ancestor.

The Brady family is historically associated with County Cavan in Ireland, where they were a powerful sept (clan). They were chieftains of the territory of Muintir Breaslaí, now known as the barony of Tullyhunco. The Brady coat of arms typically features symbols referencing this Irish heritage, although variations exist among different branches of the family.

The surname is prevalent throughout Ireland, particularly in Cavan, and is also common in countries with significant Irish diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain.

Notable people with the surname Brady include:

• Matthew Brady: A celebrated 19th-century American photographer, known for his documentation of the American Civil War.
• Tom Brady: A highly successful American football quarterback.
• Alice Brady: An American actress.
• Scott Brady: An American actor.
• Paul Brady: An Irish singer-songwriter.

The surname Brady is part of the broader category of Irish surnames and reflects the historical clan system and Gaelic naming conventions prevalent in Ireland.