Bryan
Bryan first appears in US records in 1883. It peaked in 1985, when 8,717 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,005.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Bryan popular?
Declining Bryan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 6,934 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 25,694 | |
| 2000s | 61,930 | |
| 1990s | 59,751 | |
| 1980s | 80,502 | |
| 1970s | 71,338 | |
| 1960s | 55,304 | |
| 1950s | 20,628 | |
| 1940s | 3,976 | |
| 1930s | 1,295 | |
| 1920s | 1,162 | |
| 1910s | 462 | |
| 1900s | 197 | |
| 1890s | 405 | |
| 1880s | 11 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Bryan mean?
Bryan is a variant spelling of Brian, a Celtic name often linked to “high, noble” or “strong.”
Nicknames for Bryan
- Bri
Variants & spellings
- Brian
- Brien
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Bryan a boy or a girl name?
Bryan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Bryan a popular name right now?
Bryan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
How popular is the name Bryan?
In 2025, Bryan ranked #336 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Bryan most popular?
Bryan was most popular in 1985, when about 8,717 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Bryan?
Common nicknames for Bryan include Bri.