Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Bryant

Bryant is the transferred use of an Old Breton-Irish surname derived from the ancient Celtic male name Brian. The name Brian comes from the Old Celtic word “brígh” which means ‘noble, strong, virtuous.’ The personal name was especially popularized in Ireland in the Middle Ages influenced by the last High King of Ireland, Brian Mac Cennétig (aka Brian Boru) who reigned between 1002 and 1014. He was perhaps the greatest military leader Ireland has ever known and his life deeds were legendary. He earned his name as 'Brian of the Tributes' (Brian Boru) by collecting tributes from the minor rulers of Ireland and used the money to restore monasteries and libraries that had been destroyed during the invasions. 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. The surname Bryant has been around since the 12th century.

All About the Baby Name – Bryant

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BRYANT

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BRYANT

The masculine personal name Bryant has been on the American naming charts since the U.S. government first began tracking naming trends back in the late 19th century. Incidentally, Brian didn’t show up on the U.S. male naming charts until 1925 so Bryant even predates his own Irish origins in America. Using surnames as first names has been a long-enduring practice in America (particularly for boys). In the 19th century the name was likely used in homage to a family ancestor or the mother’s maiden name. Today, surnames are popular in their own right. Bryant is an alternative to the much more popular Brian. It retains the same etymological origin and meaning but offers up a different sound and more modern variation of this old Irish favorite. African-Americans have also adopted this name since the latter half of the 20th century. Bryant is a cool name – it’s both ‘strong’ and handsome. It’s Brian with a little more attitude. We also think it’s interesting that Bryant is a Number Eight in numerology – the number that has everything to do with toughness and strength.

Quick Facts

ON BRYANT

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

African-American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

549

PRONUNCIATION:

BRI-әnt

SIMPLE MEANING:

Noble, strong

Characteristics

OF BRYANT

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Bryant

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRYANT

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRYANT

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Bryant


Popular Songs

ON BRYANT

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


Famous People

NAMED BRYANT

Bryant Gumbel (TV personality)
Bryant Johnson (football player)
Bryant McFadden (football player)
Bryant McKinnie (football player)
Bryant Reeves (basketball player)
Bryant Stith (basketball player)
Bryant Young (football player/coach)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRYANT

Kobe Bryant;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRYANT

Kobe Bean Bryant is a pro basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was an early stand-out player and already recognized for his talent by high school (considered a one of the best high school players in the nation). As a result, Kobe bypassed college and went straight into the NBA drafted as the 13th overall pick in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets then traded to the Lakers. As a rookie, Kobe immediately became a fan favorite. He was young (barely 18), confident, good-looking and a high-flying slam dunker. Bryant quickly demonstrated his leadership during the seasons 2000-2002 when he and Shaq led the team to three consecutive NBA Championship titles. He then went onto lead the NBA in scoring during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, and at one point in 2006 scored an 81-point game (his career high). Only Wilt Chamberlain has him beat with his 1962 100-point game. He is also the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history. In other words, Kobe Bryant has a mutual admiration society going on with that hoop and basket. He has too many records and accolades in the game of basketball to even recite herein. Suffice it to say that Kobe Bryant will end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame. His personal reputation took a huge beating after being accused of rape, a charge dropped when his accuser refused to testify. A civil suit was later settled out of court.