Log in · Sign up

Bryan Boy

Popularity: #289 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationBRY-uhn / /ˈbraɪ.ən/

Irish; English

Meaning

Irish: noble; English: strong

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Bryan has its roots in the Old Celtic word "brigh", which means "noble" or "high". This etymological origin is reflected in the name's early forms, such as the Old Breton "Brient" and the Old Irish "Brian", which were used in various forms across Celtic-speaking regions. The name was later adopted into Latin as "Brianus" and subsequently into Old French as "Brian", before making its way into Middle English as "Bryan". The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Norman names were introduced into the English lexicon, leading to the establishment of Bryan as a recognized name in English-speaking contexts.

Historically, the name Bryan is most famously associated with Brian Boru, a notable Irish king who reigned in the early 11th century and is remembered for his role in uniting Ireland and his victory at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. His legacy has contributed to the name's enduring significance in Irish culture and history. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and documents throughout the Middle Ages, often linked to nobility and leadership. The name was further popularized in the English-speaking world through various literary works and translations, including the King James Bible in the early 17th century, where biblical names were frequently anglicized.

Culturally, Bryan has been associated with attributes of strength, leadership, and nobility, resonating with the qualities of its historical bearers. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as "Bryan" and "Bryce", which have been used in different contexts. The name's historical and cultural significance has allowed it to maintain a presence in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it has been embraced for its noble connotations and historical roots.

Trend Summary

Bryan has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Brian
  • Bryan
  • Bryant

International Variants

  • Brían (Irish)
  • Briano (Italian)
  • Bryan (Spanish)

Famous people named Bryan

Bryan Cranston is an actor best known for Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, and Trumbo.

Bryan Adams is a musician best known for Summer of '69, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You, and Heaven.

Bryan Ferry is a musician best known for his work with Roxy Music and his solo albums such as Avalon.

Bryan Singer is a director best known for X-Men, The Usual Suspects, and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Bryan Brown is an actor best known for Cocktail, Gorillas in the Mist, and The Thorn Birds.

Bryan Callen is a comedian and actor best known for his work on MADtv and his podcast The Bryan Callen Show.

Bryan Robson is a former footballer best known for his time at Manchester United and the England national team.

Bryan Lourd is a talent agent best known for being the managing partner of Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer and social justice activist best known for founding the Equal Justice Initiative and authoring Just Mercy.

Fictional characters named Bryan

Bryan Mills is a fictional character from the film series Taken. He is a former CIA operative who uses his skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter and confront various threats.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Bryan was first seen in the United States in 1883. Bryan has ranked as high as #84 nationally, which occurred in 1985, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Bryan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Bryan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 148
14%
CA 145
14%
FL 144
14%
MA 53
5%
NY 51
5%
PA 39
4%
NC 38
4%
IL 34
3%
IN 30
3%
OH 28
3%
MO 22
2%
VA 22
2%
MD 21
2%
GA 20
2%
AZ 18
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18836
18865
18907
189210
18935
18949
189527
1896157
189797
189857
189936
190055
190119
190211
190310
190414
190510
19069
190722
190827
190920
191012
191115
191227
191345
191452
191550
191645
191752
191877
191987
192083
1921103
1922119
192398
1924116
1925149
1926139
1927105
1928126
1929124
1930122
1931125
1932125
1933109
1934122
1935108
1936114
1937132
1938161
1939177
1940200
1941216
1942298
1943320
1944340
1945308
1946460
1947602
1948561
1949671
1950737
1951809
1952849
19531,049
19541,225
19551,568
19562,438
19573,375
19584,089
19594,489
19604,777
19615,028
19624,991
19635,255
19645,274
19655,344
19665,891
19676,017
19686,254
19696,469
19706,451
19716,612
19727,034
19737,112
19747,228
19756,998
19767,289
19777,886
19787,291
19797,441
19807,512
19817,215
19827,499
19838,191
19848,270
19858,717
19868,651
19878,561
19888,036
19897,852
19907,439
19916,757
19926,835
19936,159
19945,606
19955,444
19965,560
19975,251
19985,309
19995,391
20006,143
20016,125
20026,617
20036,619
20046,732
20056,454
20066,699
20076,180
20085,505
20094,856
20103,937
20113,519
20123,083
20132,893
20142,730
20152,492
20162,129
20171,840
20181,641
20191,425
20201,359
20211,211
20221,172
20231,082
20241,105