Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Brody

Brody and Brodie are both Scottish names with uncertain meaning; although several theories as to their origin do exist. First appearing as a surname (clan name) in the 14th century, Brodie is likely derived from a location (i.e., the lands of Brodie) in an area of northeast Scotland around where the Brodie Castle sits in Moray. It’s not clear if the clan Brodie took their name from the lands, or if the lands were named after them. Some etymologists suspect that Brodie comes from one of two Scottish-Gaelic words: either “brothaigh” meaning “rampart, fortification” or else “brothach” meaning “muddy place” (the Old Irish “broth” meaning “ditch, mire” is another theory). Given these definitions generally describing a topographical feature of a landscape, it seems that the Brodies took their name from the lands rather than the other way around. Our favorite theory as to the etymological origin of Brody, however, has to do with the Picts (a now-extinct Celtic tribal people who occupied present-day Scotland before the Gaels arrived from Ireland). Some etymologists believe the name Brodie (and thus Brody) evolved from Bridei/Brude, the name of at least seven different Pictish Kings between the 6th and 9th centuries (leading some to speculate that “Bridei” might very well be the Pictish-Celtic word for “king”). The Picts would eventually blend in with the Christianized Gaelic culture of Scotland by the 10th century resulting in the loss of their language and customs. Pictland had, in essence, become Scotland. As a masculine personal name, they prefer the spelling Brodie in Scotland (currently ranked #53 in popularity). The spelling of Brody is a Top 100 favorite in both the United States and Canada.

All About the Baby Name – Brody

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BRODY

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BRODY

Brody first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1976, but it really didn’t see much success until the 1990s when it finally reached some moderate levels of usage. Its climb to America’s Top 100 list has been slow and steady, but Brody finally claimed that achievement in in 2008. Having never been über-trendy or overused both Brody and Brodie are fresh name choices. The name’s main attraction is probably derived from its early Scottish roots, and appealing to American parents of Scottish heritage (although Scottish Americans should really be spelling it Brodie which is how the Scots would spell it). Brody and Brodie are occasionally used for baby girls in the United States, but not enough to show up on the Top 1000 list. It’s still largely considered a masculine name.

Quick Facts

ON BRODY

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

94

PRONUNCIATION:

BRO-dee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Uncertain

Characteristics

OF BRODY

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Brody

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRODY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Brody

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRODY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Brody


Popular Songs

ON BRODY

Brody
a song by Greenland Whalefishers

Brody's
a song by Steve Lukather

Famous People

NAMED BRODY

Brody Dalle (musician)
Brody Hutzler (actor)
Brody Jenner (TV personality)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRODY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Brody

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRODY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Brody