Bryson is a name of Scottish origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Australia. The name is derived from the Scottish surname Brus or Bruce, which was originally a nickname given to a person with a thickset or broad build.
The meaning behind the name Bryson is "broad" or "thickset," referring to someone who has a strong and robust physique. This interpretation comes from the Old Norse word "brúsi" which means "broad" or "thick." Over time, the Brus family became one of the most powerful families in Scotland, with Robert the Bruce being one of their most notable members.
The name Bryson first appeared as a given name in Scotland during the Middle Ages. However, it was not until the late 20th century that it started to be used more frequently as a first name. Today, Bryson is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly given to boys.
One interesting fact about the name Bryson is that it has been popular among celebrities and their children in recent years. For example, American actress Alyson Hannigan named her son Bryson in 2009, while Australian singer Kylie Minogue gave her nephew the same name in 2015.
In conclusion, Bryson is a strong and powerful Scottish name that has gained popularity worldwide in recent decades. Its meaning reflects its Old Norse origins, with "broad" or "thickset" being its central theme. Despite its relatively recent rise as a given name, Bryson has already established itself as a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Bryson has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early 1900s, fewer than ten babies were given the name each year. However, by the 1970s, this number began to rise steadily, reaching triple digits in 1979 with 107 births.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a turning point for the name Bryson. In 1990, there were 333 babies named Bryson, and by 1996, this number had more than doubled to 689 births. This upward trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, with a peak of 4673 births in 2017.
Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, Bryson remains a popular name among parents in the United States. In 2022, there were 2697 babies named Bryson, demonstrating that this name continues to be favored by many families today.
In total, over the past century, there have been 78,282 babies born in the United States with the name Bryson, a testament to its enduring popularity.