Brent Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: brent /brɛnt/
Origin: English; Gaelic
Meaning: English: hill; Gaelic: descendant of the prince
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Brent has its roots in Old English, deriving from the word "brynet," which means "burnt" or "sword." This etymology suggests a connection to a landscape or a geographical feature, possibly referring to a place that was cleared by fire or a hill associated with a burnt appearance. The name evolved through various forms, appearing in Middle English as "Brent" and eventually entering the modern English lexicon.
The transition into English likely occurred during the early medieval period, as Old English evolved into Middle English, influenced by the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which introduced a variety of linguistic changes and new names into the English language. Historically, the name Brent has been associated with several notable figures and places.
One significant milestone is its use in the naming of Brentwood, a town in Essex, England, which dates back to the 12th century. The name has also been linked to various saints and ecclesiastical figures, although specific references are less prominent compared to other names.
The name's presence in historical texts and documents throughout the centuries underscores its enduring nature in English-speaking regions. Culturally, Brent carries connotations of strength and resilience, possibly due to its association with fire and the imagery of a sword.
These attributes have contributed to the name's lasting appeal across generations. Additionally, the name has been used in various literary and artistic contexts, further embedding it within the cultural fabric of English-speaking societies.
While diminutive forms like "Bren" may exist, they are less historically significant compared to the full form. Overall, Brent encapsulates a rich linguistic heritage and a connection to both historical and cultural narratives.
Famous people named Brent
Fictional characters named Brent
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Brent was first seen in the United States in 1885. Brent has ranked as high as #165 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. In the past 5 years the name Brent has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Brent (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 9 | |
| IL | 5 | |
| LA | 5 | |
| NC | 5 | |
| PA | 5 | |
| CA | 5 | |
| FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1885 | 5 |
| 1896 | 5 |
| 1910 | 5 |
| 1912 | 8 |
| 1913 | 6 |
| 1915 | 17 |
| 1916 | 18 |
| 1917 | 17 |
| 1918 | 19 |
| 1919 | 21 |
| 1920 | 22 |
| 1921 | 21 |
| 1922 | 14 |
| 1923 | 15 |
| 1924 | 18 |
| 1925 | 19 |
| 1926 | 21 |
| 1927 | 26 |
| 1928 | 19 |
| 1929 | 24 |
| 1930 | 29 |
| 1931 | 36 |
| 1932 | 32 |
| 1933 | 46 |
| 1934 | 45 |
| 1935 | 51 |
| 1936 | 65 |
| 1937 | 91 |
| 1938 | 114 |
| 1939 | 185 |
| 1940 | 288 |
| 1941 | 289 |
| 1942 | 315 |
| 1943 | 350 |
| 1944 | 315 |
| 1945 | 269 |
| 1946 | 506 |
| 1947 | 669 |
| 1948 | 645 |
| 1949 | 738 |
| 1950 | 908 |
| 1951 | 942 |
| 1952 | 1,081 |
| 1953 | 1,201 |
| 1954 | 1,232 |
| 1955 | 1,382 |
| 1956 | 1,457 |
| 1957 | 1,780 |
| 1958 | 2,072 |
| 1959 | 2,280 |
| 1960 | 2,259 |
| 1961 | 2,555 |
| 1962 | 2,558 |
| 1963 | 2,814 |
| 1964 | 2,746 |
| 1965 | 2,410 |
| 1966 | 2,688 |
| 1967 | 2,861 |
| 1968 | 2,919 |
| 1969 | 3,355 |
| 1970 | 4,270 |
| 1971 | 4,053 |
| 1972 | 3,530 |
| 1973 | 3,287 |
| 1974 | 3,413 |
| 1975 | 3,364 |
| 1976 | 3,405 |
| 1977 | 3,423 |
| 1978 | 3,181 |
| 1979 | 3,457 |
| 1980 | 3,538 |
| 1981 | 3,370 |
| 1982 | 3,321 |
| 1983 | 3,030 |
| 1984 | 3,186 |
| 1985 | 3,321 |
| 1986 | 3,061 |
| 1987 | 2,835 |
| 1988 | 2,869 |
| 1989 | 2,749 |
| 1990 | 2,608 |
| 1991 | 2,193 |
| 1992 | 1,958 |
| 1993 | 1,801 |
| 1994 | 1,630 |
| 1995 | 1,586 |
| 1996 | 1,337 |
| 1997 | 1,254 |
| 1998 | 1,202 |
| 1999 | 1,055 |
| 2000 | 900 |
| 2001 | 847 |
| 2002 | 727 |
| 2003 | 685 |
| 2004 | 646 |
| 2005 | 562 |
| 2006 | 544 |
| 2007 | 522 |
| 2008 | 471 |
| 2009 | 399 |
| 2010 | 368 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 318 |
| 2013 | 289 |
| 2014 | 263 |
| 2015 | 253 |
| 2016 | 211 |
| 2017 | 201 |
| 2018 | 163 |
| 2019 | 182 |
| 2020 | 145 |
| 2021 | 154 |
| 2022 | 138 |
| 2023 | 125 |
| 2024 | 102 |