Briar
Briar is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Prickly shrub or bramble.
Origin and history
Briar is a botanical nature name derived from the Old English word for a prickly shrub or bramble bush. Traditionally used in English-speaking regions as a unisex name, it has gained steady popularity in the United States in recent years. Its usage for boys has risen noticeably during the 2020s alongside other nature-inspired names.
Popularity in the United States
6,347 babies in the United States have been named Briar since 1880. It ranks #1517 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #684.
States where it is most popular
- TX (7.7 %)
- IN (7.4 %)
- OH (7 %)
- TN (6.4 %)
- MO (6.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 31 |
| 1980-1990 | 10 |
| 1990-2000 | 716 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,244 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,128 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,218 |
Fun facts
- The word comes from Old English 'brēr', referring to wild thorn bushes like wild roses or blackberries.
- While traditionally a nature surname and noun, it has become a popular gender-neutral given name in the United States.