Brian
Pronunciation: [ br-EYE-uhn ]
Does Brian flow with your last name?
A distinctive girl name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Brian
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Brian first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,516 babies have been named Brian in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Brian is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #48,071 for girl names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →"bright woodland clearing, shire meadow"
"beloved friend, dear one"
"divine, heavenly"
"sticks of fire"
"truth (possible Alethea derivation)"
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Popularity Rank
- #48,071
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Brian is also used as a boy name, ranked #301.
View Brian as a boy name →Similar Names
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View all →Old English origin
"bright woodland clearing, shire meadow"
#48,101 in US
Irish/Latin origin
"beloved friend, dear one"
#48,039 in US
Latin dius origin
"divine, heavenly"
#48,041 in US
Timucuan origin
"sticks of fire"
#47,916 in US
Greek origin
"truth (possible Alethea derivation)"
#48,077 in US
African-American origin
"modern invented name"
#47,932 in US
Greek (sandalion) / Sanskrit (chandana) origin
"a simple bound shoe; the sandalwood tree"
#47,939 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brian
Is Brian a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Brian?
How popular is the name Brian?
What are common nicknames for Brian?
Is Brian a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Brian?
About the Name Brian
Brian is a girl name .
Is Brian a boy or girl name? Brian is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #48,071 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #301. Brian is more commonly used as a boy name.
Brian is currently ranked #48,071 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Brian include Bri, Bry, Brie, and Brikins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Brian include Brianna, Briar, Briana, Bria, Brianny . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis