Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Bryan

Bryan is a spelling variation of the more traditional name Brian. The name comes from the Old Celtic word “brígh” which means ‘noble, strong, virtuous.’ The name was especially popularized in Ireland in the Middle Ages influenced by the last High King of Ireland (Brian Boru) who reigned between 1002 and 1014. Brian defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 but died of wounds sustained in the battle. Brian has been a perennial favorite in Ireland which was adopted by other English-speaking countries. Bryan is the more preferred spelling in the United States.

All About the Baby Name – Bryan

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BRYAN

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BRYAN

The spelling “Bryan” actually shows up on the U.S. popularity charts before the name Brian (which we were surprised to see given that Brian is the traditional Irish form of the name). Bryan lingers on the charts with low to moderate usage until the latter half of the 20th century. The name hits the Top 100 list in 1959, and it’s stayed there for the past 50+ years. Bryan experienced its heaviest popularity in the 1970’s and 1980’s, during which time it hovered inside the Top 50. Today the name is dangerously close to exiting the Top 100, and yet it’s still the more preferred spelling to Brian in the United States.

Quick Facts

ON BRYAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

132

PRONUNCIATION:

BRYE-in

SIMPLE MEANING:

Noble, strong

Characteristics

OF BRYAN

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Bryan

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRYAN

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRYAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Bryan


Popular Songs

ON BRYAN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Bryan


Famous People

NAMED BRYAN

Bryan Adams (musician)
Bryan Brown (actor)
Bryan Cranston (actor)
Bryan Ferry (musician)
Bryan Smyth (Irish singer)
Bryan Trottier (hockey player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRYAN

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRYAN

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