Brian
Peaked at #8 nationally in 1970, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1909, Brian has been recorded <1% of the time for girls and >99% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Brian is a Celtic name of uncertain but likely meaning, often linked to the Old Irish word "brí," suggesting "high," "noble," or "strong." Its most famous early bearer was Brian Boru, the 10th-century High King of Ireland who united much of the country before his death at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The name was carried to England by Breton settlers after the Norman Conquest and later became widespread in Ireland, Scotland, and beyond.
Notable people & culture
Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson and Queen guitarist Brian May are among its notable musical bearers, while actor Brian Cox has carried it into film and television. The name saw a significant rise in U.S. popularity during the mid-20th century. It doesn't have a widely used standard nickname.
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Brian — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#795
in 1972
Last ranked
#16906
in 2015
Years tracked
71
1943–2015
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1943, Brian reached its peak popularity for girls in 1972, ranking #795 nationally with 171 babies given the name that year.
Brian hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for girls since 2015, when it stood at #16906.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | #16,906 | 5 |
| 2013 | #16,994 | 5 |
| 2012 | #9,832 | 11 |
| 2011 | #17,216 | 5 |
| 2010 | #12,479 | 8 |
| 2009 | #15,577 | 6 |
| 2008 | #11,759 | 9 |
| 2007 | #5,930 | 23 |
Brian — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#8
in 1970
Current rank
#301
in 2024
Years tracked
115
1909–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1909, Brian reached its peak popularity for boys in 1970, ranking #8 nationally with 31,918 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #168 (2014) to #301 (2024) — a 44% drop.
As of 2024, Brian ranks #301 nationally for boys, with 1,111 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #301 | 1,111 |
| 2023 | #317 | 1,048 |
| 2022 | #289 | 1,180 |
| 2021 | #288 | 1,188 |
| 2020 | #270 | 1,261 |
| 2019 | #247 | 1,478 |
| 2018 | #235 | 1,631 |
| 2017 | #216 | 1,777 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — boys' names only.
Common Questions
When was Brian most popular?
Brian was most popular in 1970, when it ranked #8 nationally for boys — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Brian becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Brian?
At least 1,177,325 babies have been recorded with the name Brian in the US since 1909, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Brian? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.