Bryan
Bryan is a boy's name of Celtic origin.
Meaning
High, noble, or hill.
Origin and history
Bryan is a classic spelling variant of Brian, derived from an Old Celtic element meaning high, noble, or hill. It gained massive popularity in the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century and remains a widely recognized classic. Today it continues to be used as a familiar traditional option for boys.
Popularity in the United States
389,589 babies in the United States have been named Bryan since 1880. It ranks #87 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #293.
States where it is most popular
- CA (15.2 %)
- TX (9.6 %)
- NY (6.2 %)
- FL (4.8 %)
- OH (4.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 11 |
| 1890-1900 | 405 |
| 1900-1910 | 197 |
| 1910-1920 | 462 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,162 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,295 |
| 1940-1950 | 3,976 |
| 1950-1960 | 20,628 |
| 1960-1970 | 55,304 |
| 1970-1980 | 71,338 |
| 1980-1990 | 80,502 |
| 1990-2000 | 59,751 |
| 2000-2010 | 61,930 |
| 2010-2019 | 25,694 |
| 2020-2029 | 6,934 |
Famous people named Bryan
- Bryan Cranston: Actor, Director
- Bryan Adams: Singer, Songwriter
- Bryan Singer: Director, Producer
Nicknames
Bry
Fun facts
- Bryan emerged as a popular alternative spelling to Brian, offering a subtle visual twist while retaining the same traditional pronunciation.
- The name traces back to the legendary High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, who repelled Viking forces in the 11th century.