Bryce Name Meaning: Origin and Significance
Origins of the Name Bryce
Bryce is a name that has its roots in both Scottish and English origin. The name originated as a variant of the name Brice, which is of Celtic origin. The Celtic word “brych” means “blemish” or “freckle,” which was eventually Latinized into “Bricius” meaning “speckled” or “spotted.” This is where the name Bryce gets its meaning of “speckled” or “freckled.”
The name Brice became popular in France through the cult of Saint Brice, who was the successor of Saint Martin as Bishop of Tours in the 5th century. The Normans then introduced the name to England and Scotland. Over time, the name Brice evolved into the modern name Bryce.
Today, the name Bryce is commonly used as a first name for both boys and girls. It is also a popular surname in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. The table below shows the popularity of the name Bryce as a first name for boys in recent years:
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 168 |
| 2019 | 160 |
| 2018 | 148 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2016 | 133 |
The table shows that the name Bryce has been consistently popular in recent years, ranking in the top 200 names for boys in the United States.
Overall, the name Bryce has a rich history and meaning, with its origins in both Celtic and Norman cultures. Whether you choose to name your child Bryce because of its historical significance or simply because you like the sound of it, it is a name that is sure to make a statement.
Meaning of Bryce
If you’re looking for a name that is both strong and unique, Bryce may be the perfect choice for your child. Bryce is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin, meaning “speckled,” “freckled,” or “blemish.” It is derived from the Celtic word “brych,” which means “freckle” or “blemish,” and the Latin name “Bricius,” meaning “speckled” or “spotted.”
Bryce is also a variant of the name Brice, which is of English origin and means “son of a nobleman.” This makes Bryce a name that is both rugged and refined, perfect for parents who want a name that combines strength and elegance.
Those who bear the name Bryce are often thought of as swift and agile, with a freckled or speckled appearance. The name Bryce has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the United States, where it has been a top 100 name for boys since the late 1990s.
Overall, Bryce is a name with a rich history and a strong, distinctive sound. Whether you’re looking for a name for your son or daughter, Bryce is a name that is sure to make a lasting impression.
Popularity of the Name Bryce
If you are considering the name Bryce for your baby, you might be interested in knowing how popular it is. Bryce is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin, meaning “speckled, freckled.” It is derived from the name Bricius, which means a “blemish” or a “freckle.”
According to the Social Security Administration, Bryce has been a popular name for babies in the United States for many years. In 2023, Bryce is ranked #267 in popularity for baby boys. This is a slight increase from its 2022 ranking of #277.
Bryce is also a popular name in Utah, where it is associated with the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park. In fact, the popularity of the name Bryce in Utah is much higher than the national average. According to BabyCenter user data, Bryce is the 20th most popular name for baby boys in Utah in 2023.
While Bryce is more commonly used for baby boys, it is also a popular name for baby girls. According to BabyCenter user data, Bryce is the 1,871st most popular name for baby girls in 2023.
Overall, Bryce is a gender-neutral name that has remained consistently popular for many years. Whether you are looking for a unique name for your baby or a name that is both classic and modern, Bryce might be the perfect choice for you.
Famous People Named Bryce
If you’re looking for famous people named Bryce, you’ll find plenty of well-known personalities from various fields of life. Here are some of the most notable figures with the name Bryce.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard is an American actress and filmmaker who has appeared in several popular movies and TV shows. She was born on March 2, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, and is the daughter of actor and director Ron Howard. Bryce has received critical acclaim for her performances in movies like “The Help,” “Jurassic World,” and “Rocketman.”
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is a professional baseball player who currently plays as an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on October 16, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has won several awards and accolades throughout his career. Harper has been named to the All-Star team six times and won the National League MVP award in 2015.
Bryce Cotton
Bryce Cotton is a professional basketball player who currently plays as a guard for the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League (NBL). He was born on August 11, 1992, in Tucson, Arizona, and has played for several teams in different leagues throughout his career. Cotton has won several awards and accolades, including the NBL Grand Final MVP award in 2019.
Bryce DeWitt
Bryce DeWitt was an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum gravity and quantum field theory. He was born on January 8, 1923, in Dinuba, California, and passed away on September 23, 2004. DeWitt was a professor of physics at the University of Texas at Austin and was known for his work on the Wheeler-DeWitt equation.
These are just a few of the famous people named Bryce who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Whether you’re a fan of sports, movies, or science, there’s a Bryce out there who has made an impact in that area.
Bryce in Pop Culture
The name Bryce has been used in various forms of pop culture, from movies to TV shows to books. Here are a few examples:
- 13 Reasons Why: Bryce Walker is a character in the popular Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. He is portrayed as a wealthy and popular high school student who is also a serial rapist. The character has sparked controversy and criticism for his portrayal of sexual assault and toxic masculinity.
- Crescent City: Bryce Quinlan is the main character in the Crescent City book series by Sarah J. Maas. She is a half-human, half-fae assassin who gets caught up in a murder investigation. The series has been praised for its world-building and strong female protagonist.
- FlashForward: Bryce Varley is a character in the TV series, FlashForward. He is a surgeon who survived a near-death experience and becomes obsessed with finding out what caused the worldwide blackout that led to people having visions of their future. The show was cancelled after one season but has gained a cult following.
- Chuck: Bryce Larkin is a character in the TV series, Chuck. He is a former college friend of the main character, Chuck, who becomes a CIA agent and recruits Chuck to become a spy. The character has been praised for his charm and wit.
- Sixteen Candles: Bryce is a character in the 1984 movie, Sixteen Candles. He is a popular high school student who is pursued by the main character, Samantha. The movie has become a classic coming-of-age story.
- LeBron James: Bryce Maximus James is the son of NBA superstar, LeBron James. He was born in 2007 and has been featured in various media outlets due to his father’s fame.
Overall, the name Bryce has been used in a variety of pop culture contexts, from serious dramas to lighthearted comedies. Its meaning of “speckled” or “freckled” may not always be relevant to the character’s traits or storyline, but the name itself has become a recognizable part of popular culture.
Variations and Similar Names
If you’re considering naming your child Bryce, you might also want to take a look at some variations and similar names. Here are a few options:
Variations of Bryce
- Brice: This is the original spelling of the name. It’s less popular than Bryce, but still a great option if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Bryson: This name has a similar sound to Bryce, but with the addition of the -son suffix, which means “son of.” It’s a popular name in its own right, ranking at #79 in the US in 2020.
- Brycen: Another name with a similar sound to Bryce, Brycen adds an extra syllable to the name. It’s a less common name, but still a great option if you’re looking for something unique.
Similar Names to Bryce
- Liam: This name has been rising in popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s short, sweet, and easy to pronounce.
- Ava: If you’re looking for a name that’s a little more feminine than Bryce, Ava might be a good option. It’s a popular name, ranking at #3 in the US in 2020.
- Brooks: This name has a similar sound to Bryce, but with a different ending. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a name that’s a little more unique.
- Alden: This name means “old, wise friend,” and has a similar feel to Bryce. It’s a less common name, but still a great option if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Bruce: This name has a similar sound to Bryce, but with a different first letter. It’s a classic name that’s been around for centuries.
- Lian: This name means “graceful willow,” and has a similar feel to Bryce. It’s a less common name, but still a great option if you’re looking for something unique.
- Berg: This name means “mountain,” and has a similar feel to Bryce. It’s a less common name, but still a great option if you’re looking for something a little different.
Overall, there are plenty of variations and similar names to Bryce that you might want to consider. Whether you’re looking for something that’s a little more unique or a little more traditional, there’s sure to be a name out there that’s perfect for your child.
The Surname Bryce
The surname Bryce is of Celtic origin and may denote membership of Sept Bryce, a sept of Clan MacFarlane. The name was originally Bricius, a Gaulish Saint of the fifth century, a nephew of St. Martin of Tours. The name means quick or speedy from Gaelic.
The Bryce family held a family seat in Morayshire from very ancient times, around the 12th century. The name has since spread throughout the west of Scotland and beyond.
Today, the surname Bryce can be found all over the world, with notable individuals including A. Catrina Bryce, a Scottish electrical engineer, and Colette Bryce, a Northern Irish poet.
The name Bryce is also associated with Bryce Canyon, a national park located in southwestern Utah, USA. The park is named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant who settled in the area in the late 19th century.
In the world of music, Bryce Dessner is an American guitarist and composer, best known as a member of the indie rock band The National.
Overall, the surname Bryce has a rich history and continues to be a prominent name in various fields and locations around the world.
