The nameBryan
Bryan is a boy's name of Irish origin, a spelling of Brian, often read as "noble" or "strong". It reached the American top 50 in the 1990s.
- Boy's name
- Irish and Breton
Meaning
Bryan comes from Brian, an Old Celtic name perhaps meaning "high, noble" or "strong".
Origin
Irish and Breton. The spelling Bryan is common in the United States and in France.
History
Bryan reached the American top 50 in the 1990s. Bryan Adams and Bryan Cranston are famous bearers.
Did you know?
- In 1991 Bryan Adams's (Everything I Do) I Do It for You spent sixteen weeks at number one in the United Kingdom, a record.
- Bryan Cranston won four Emmy Awards for playing Walter White in Breaking Bad.
Famous people named Bryan
- Bryan Adams, singer
- Bryan Cranston, actor
- Bryan Ferry, singer
Popularity of the name Bryan
Bryan in the United States
Bryan was most popular in the United States in the 1980s, with 81,083 births over the decade, 21% of all recorded babies named Bryan. Its rise began around 1953, and it peaked in 1985. Half of all babies named Bryan in the United States were born before 1985, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,187 births a year on average, against 1,906 in the five years before.
Bryan in the United Kingdom
Bryan was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 802 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Bryan. Half of all babies named Bryan in the United Kingdom were born before 2013, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 80 births a year.
Bryan in Ireland
Bryan in France
Bryan in Belgium
Bryan in Switzerland
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Bryan
Names from the same generation as Bryan, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Bryan? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Bryan with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Bryan side by side with the name of your choice.
Bryan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bryan mean?
Bryan comes from Brian, an Old Celtic name perhaps meaning "high, noble" or "strong".
What is the origin of the name Bryan?
Irish and Breton. The spelling Bryan is common in the United States and in France.
Is Bryan a girl's or a boy's name?
Bryan is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Bryan?
In 2024, Bryan was the 306th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,105 births.
What are the variants of the name Bryan?
Variants and related names of Bryan include Brian.
What are good sibling names for Bryan?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Brianna, Vanessa, Jasmine and Alexandra for a sister, Kevin, Ryan, Donovan and Aidan for a brother.
Who are famous people named Bryan?
Bryan Adams, singer; Bryan Cranston, actor; Bryan Ferry, singer.