Back to Baby Names

Brent

Pronunciation: [ br-EHNT ]

Boy Name #1,658 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

A crisp one-syllable name meaning 'high place'

English American Canadian Australian
Strong Classic Vintage Minimalist Bold

Meaning & Origin

"high place, hill top"
Origin: Celtic
Language: English
"from the steep place"
Origin: Old English
Language: English

The Story of Brent

Brent derives from a Celtic or Old English topographic name referring to a 'high place' or 'hill.' In Britain, it survives as a place name in several locations, including the River Brent in London (which gives its name to the London Borough of Brent). The name was used as a surname before transitioning to a given name, following the common pattern of British toponymic surnames becoming first names in North America.

Brent peaked as a popular given name in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, fitting perfectly with the era's preference for short, clean, masculine names like Kent, Glen, and Craig. The name has declined from its peak but retains a solid, dependable quality that some parents find appealing as a retro choice.

The London Borough of Brent, home to the famous Wembley Stadium, keeps the name visible in British cultural geography. Brent Spiner's portrayal of Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation gave the name a beloved pop culture association for a generation of fans.

Fun Facts

  • The London Borough of Brent houses Wembley Stadium, the iconic venue for the FA Cup Final and England's home matches
  • Brent Spiner played the android Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation for seven seasons, giving the name a beloved sci-fi association

Brent in Other Languages

Welsh Brent
French Brent
German Brent
Spanish Brent

Famous People Named Brent

B

Brent Spiner

Actor

1949

American actor famous for playing the android Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation

B

Brent Musburger

Other

1939

American sportscaster known as one of the most recognizable voices in American sports broadcasting

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
1
Popularity Rank
#1,658
Total SSA Count
102
Cultural Origins
English American Canadian Australian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Alternative Spellings

Nicknames

Bre Bry Breie

Pairs Well With

Brent James Brent Michael Brent Lee Brent Alan Brent Scott Brent Wayne Brent David

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Brent is also used as a girl name, ranked #65599.

View Brent as a girl name →

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Brent and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Brent sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more boy names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Brent

What does the name Brent mean?
"high place, hill top" (from Celtic). "from the steep place" (from Old English). Brent derives from a Celtic or Old English topographic name referring to a 'high place' or 'hill.' In Britain, it survives as a place name in several locations, including the River Brent in London (which gives its name to the London Borough of Brent). The name was used as a surname before transitioning to a given name, following the common pattern of British toponymic surnames becoming first names in North America.
What is the origin of the name Brent?
Brent has Celtic, Old English, English, American, Canadian, and Australian origins. In Celtic, it means "high place, hill top". In Old English, it means "from the steep place".
Is Brent a boy or girl name?
Brent is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1658. As a girl name, it is ranked #65599. Brent is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Brent?
Brent is pronounced br-EHNT.
How popular is the name Brent?
Brent is currently ranked #1658 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Brent?
Common nicknames for Brent include Bre, Bry, and Breie.
What are good middle names for Brent?
Popular middle name pairings include Brent James, Brent Michael, Brent Lee, Brent Alan, Brent Scott, Brent Wayne, and Brent David.
What are good sibling names for Brent?
Names that pair well with Brent as siblings include Brett, Todd, Chad, Heather, Tammy, Dawn, and Shane.
How many syllables does Brent have?
Brent has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Brent a common or rare name?
Brent is an uncommon name, ranked #1658 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Brent

Brent is a boy name with English, American, Canadian, and Australian origins . The name means "high place, hill top" in Celtic .

Is Brent a boy or girl name? Brent is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,658 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #65,599. Brent is more commonly used as a boy name.

Brent is currently ranked #1,658 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Brent has 1 syllable and is pronounced br-EHNT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Brent include Bre, Bry, and Breie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Brent include Brendan, Brennan, Brentley, Brenton, Brenden . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists