Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Bruce

Bruce is the transferred use of a celebrated Scottish surname which ultimately came from the Norman-French as a place name Brix in Normandy (where the Bruce family originated). Apparently Brix means “willow woods”, presumably because Brix was built up around willow trees. Some of the Bruce family descendents made their way to Scotland after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and the most illustrious descendent, Robert the Bruce, became King of the Scots from 1306-1329. A legendary hero, Robert the Bruce led the Scots in the Scottish Wars of Independence from England and King Edward I. Apparently he was inspired by a humble, hard-working spider; a story well-known by schoolchildren across Scotland. For more on Robert the Bruce (and the spider), see historical figured below. As a given name, Bruce can be traced back to Scotland as early as the 18th century. By the 19th century, the name spread to other English speaking nations.

All About the Baby Name – Bruce

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BRUCE

The Master Number Twenty-Two combines the traits of Twos and Fours into a powerful force. The references to The Master Builder and "large undertakings" serve to underscore the massive potential of this personality. They are extremely capable and therefore almost always successful. Twenty-Twos are courageous leaders, innovative thinkers, extremely wise and highly organized. As such, they are able to manifest something of major importance that will have a lasting impact on this world. Master Numbers carry with them a great sense of responsibility, so it can be a burden. However, Twenty-Twos are executors and action-takers. Further, this personality exhibits traits of the Twos, which brings sensitivity, spirituality and harmony, so their endeavors are likely to benefit mankind in some capacity.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BRUCE

Bruce has had a successful career as a male name in America dating back to at least the late 19th century. The height of his popularity was mid-century during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The most popular year ever for Bruce in America was 1952 when he achieved position #25 on the charts. However, since the 1970s, Bruce has been on a slow and steady decline and is no longer a common choice for boys. Perhaps Bruce is another example of a mid-century name that was just too popular and now forever associated with that time period in history (like Dennis, Kenneth and Gary). People conjure up middle-aged men when they hear a name like Bruce today in the 21st century. It’s just no longer a stylish choice. Nevertheless, Bruce is still a solid minimalistic one-syllable name with ample amounts of Scottish charm and machismo.

Quick Facts

ON BRUCE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Scottish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

416

PRONUNCIATION:

BROOS

SIMPLE MEANING:

Willow woods

Characteristics

OF BRUCE

The Master Builder

Leader

Large Undertakings

Confidence

Discipline

Organization

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Bruce

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRUCE

Bruce Wayne is the brainchild of Bob Kane and Bill Finger, published by DC Comics for the first time in 1939. Bruce is the alter ego of the superhero, Batman. The character gained a popular foothold from the start, and went on to be featured in a campy 1960s television series and a mini-series of the 1980s. The very popular Tim Burton movies, starting in 1989, reintroduced him to a huge new audience of admiring modern fans, as did Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” series in the 2000s. Bruce Wayne’s backstory: After seeing his parents murdered, the child Bruce begins to train himself to intellectual and physical excellence in order to fight crime. In his earliest incarnations, Bruce does not have superhuman traits; his success comes from honing his skills himself, along with the prudent use of certain of his toys, such as the batmobile and the utility belt. Bruce Wayne poses as a rich and superficial playboy type in Gotham City. In his disguise as Batman he is aided by his own “Dr. Watson”, his young sidekick, Robin. Together they fight the powers of evil and darkness, as personified by such as the Joker, the Penguin and Batwoman. The only other human to know the truth of their identities is Alfred, the butler. Over the years, Bruce/Batman has taken it on the chin with some rather bizarre interpretations of his persona, but just ask any kid on the block – he’ll tell you that Bruce Wayne is, first and foremost, - cue that music – da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da - “Batman!!!”

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRUCE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Bruce


Popular Songs

ON BRUCE

Bruce is King
a song by Marshall Crenshaw

Bruce
a song by Rick Springfield

Famous People

NAMED BRUCE

Bruce Springsteen (musician)
Bruce Hornsby (musician)
Bruce Dickinson (singer for Iron Maiden)
Bruce Willis (actor)
Bruce Lee (actor)
Bruce Boxleitner (actor)
Bruce Dern (actor)
Bruce Campbell (actor)
Bruce Sterling (sci-fi author)
Bruce Bochy (baseball manager)
Bruce Norris (hockey player)
Bruce Stuart (hockey player)
Bruce Smith (football player)
Bruce McLaren (racecar driver)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRUCE

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRUCE

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