Brian is a popular male given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the old Celtic word "brigh" which means "strength" or "honor". The name Brian was borne by several important historical figures, including Brian Boru, who was the High King of Ireland in the 11th century and is considered one of the most significant figures in Irish history.
The name Brian became popular in England during the Middle Ages after the Norman conquest of Ireland in 1170. It was introduced by the Normans who had adopted it from the Irish. The name has since been used widely throughout Europe and beyond, becoming a staple in many cultures around the world.
Today, Brian is still a well-liked name, with its popularity varying across different countries. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and honor due to its meaning and historical significance. Overall, Brian is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history and international appeal.
The name Brian has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over the years as seen in the statistics provided.
In the early 20th century, Brian was not a particularly common name, with fewer than 15 births per year from 1909 to 1920. However, starting around 1925, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Brian each year. This trend continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s, with the peak being reached in the years following World War II.
The name Brian became exceptionally popular during the post-war baby boom era, with over 250 births per year from 1946 onwards. The peak of popularity occurred in 1957 when there were 17,522 babies named Brian. This was a significant increase from the previous year and remained relatively high for several years afterward.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw another surge in popularity for the name Brian, with over 30,000 births per year between 1968 and 1972. However, this popularity began to decline gradually during the mid-1970s.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a further significant decrease in the number of babies named Brian each year, dropping below 20,000 births per year. This trend continued throughout the 2000s, with fewer than 15,000 births annually.
In recent years, the name Brian has become even less popular, with around 1,000 births per year since 2016. Despite this decrease in popularity, Brian remains a classic and timeless name that continues to be chosen by parents for their sons.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Brian has fluctuated over time, it has consistently remained a popular choice among parents throughout much of the 20th century and into the early years of the 21st century.