Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Bryson

Bryson is a surname-turned-first-name with a couple of potential etymologies. This is where it gets tricky. Some etymologies assign Bryson’s meaning to the Gaelic clan name O’Briosáin which is an altered variation of O'Muirgheasáin (English: Morrissey). How these two seemingly disparate family names are connected, we have no clue – yet all the research we’ve done seems to point in this direction. Apparently both clan names originated in Northern Ireland (Ulster), specifically in Counties Donegal and Derry, where dialectically they have approximately similar phonetic renderings. Then the Anglo-Normans came along and corrupted the pronunciations and spellings even more; for instance, Mrieson morphed into both Bryson and Morrissey. So if we are to accept this etymology, then we must dissect the name Muirgheasáin. First of all, it’s a diminutive (as evidenced by the Irish “-áin” suffix). Muirgheas is derived from the Old Gaelic elements “muir” meaning “sea” and “gus” meaning “vigor” – it probably developed as a nickname for one who was a hearty, strong and energetic sailor. This would make sense considering the modern-day Brysons and Morrisseys descended from Donegal and Derry (northwest points of Ireland) which in part rest against the Atlantic Ocean and its “vigorous seas.” Now that we got that complicated explanation out of the way, we have another potential etymology for you. Bryson could also have another Celtic origin – this time Welsh. From this perspective, Bryson is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Brice/Bryce”, with Bryce representing a diminutive of Rhys, which is a Welsh masculine name that means “ardor, passion”. Bryce is basically an Anglicization of “ap + Rhys” which is a Welsh way of saying “son of the ardent one”. The “ap” connector means “son of” in Welsh just as the M(a)c/ Ó means the same in Irish surnames, Mac in Scottish-Gaelic and Fitz in Anglo-Norman.

All About the Baby Name – Bryson

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BRYSON

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BRYSON

Bryson made his first appearance on the U.S. popularity charts in 1979. In the past 30 years, the name has climbed over 700 positions and, with each passing year, got closer and closer to Top 100 status. Finally in 2011 Bryson achieved this notable honor at position #98 on the Top 100 list. The name averaged a gain of about 20 spots per year over the past 30 odd years, so its growth was not conspicuous, but rather slow and steady. American parents are picking up on the name’s charm, its surnamey quality, and its two-syllable sound (compared to Bryce). Bryson has now given way to respellings like Brycen and Brysen which is the ultimate testament to his overall popularity. Given the name’s etymological origin in words like “passion” and “rashness” or “vigorous sea” – you may end up with a little bundle of energy on your hands should you choose this name. Bryson is a name that has spunk!

Quick Facts

ON BRYSON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

102

PRONUNCIATION:

BREYE-sen

SIMPLE MEANING:

Vigorous sea; Ardor, passion

Characteristics

OF BRYSON

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Bryson

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRYSON

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRYSON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Bryson


Popular Songs

ON BRYSON

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


Famous People

NAMED BRYSON

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Bryson.

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRYSON

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRYSON

Bryson of Heraclea was an ancient Greek mathematician and possible student of Socrates who contributed to solving the problem of squaring the circle and calculating pi. Plato was once attacked and accused of stealing many ideas for his dialogues from Bryson of Heraclea. Aristotle apparently criticized his methods and Bryson in turn upset Aristotle by denying the existence of obscene language.

Bryson of Achaea was an ancient Greek philosopher who is said to have taught Crates the Cynic, Pyrrho the Skeptic, and Theodorus the Atheist, but he left no writings behind to say for sure. He was a philosopher of the school of thought that there is a single good and the existence of a unified universe. Hey, for a 4th century philosopher, Carl Jung would have been impressed!