Find out how popular the first name Brave has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brave by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Brave is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 76% of people named Brave being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 52 male babies and 16 female babies born with the name Brave.

The history of the first name Brave

The name Brave has its roots in the Old English language, originating from the word "bræf," which meant "courageous" or "valiant." It emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 5th to 11th centuries, when warrior culture was prominent in England.

The name Brave was initially used to describe individuals who displayed exceptional courage and bravery in battle or in the face of adversity. It was a name bestowed upon warriors and heroes, symbolizing their strength, valor, and unwavering spirit.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brave can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record that chronicled the lives and deeds of notable figures in England during the medieval period. The name appears in various accounts of battles and skirmishes, often used to describe the bravery of warriors on the battlefield.

Throughout history, several famous individuals have carried the name Brave. One notable figure was Brave the Bold, a legendary Anglo-Saxon warrior who fought alongside King Alfred the Great in the 9th century. His exploits were celebrated in ballads and stories, immortalizing his courage and bravery in defending the kingdom.

In the 12th century, Brave of Hereford was a renowned knight and crusader who participated in the Third Crusade. His valor and leadership during the campaign earned him recognition and praise from his contemporaries.

During the Renaissance period, Brave Boccaccio, an Italian author and poet born in 1313, was known for his literary works that celebrated the virtues of courage and resilience. His famous work, "The Decameron," contains tales that highlight the bravery of characters in the face of adversity.

In the 18th century, Brave Wolfe, a British Army officer born in 1727, became a celebrated military hero for his role in the Battle of Quebec during the Seven Years' War. His daring tactics and leadership during the battle led to a decisive British victory and cemented his reputation as a brave and skilled commander.

Another notable figure was Brave Heart, a Native American chief from the Sioux tribe, born in the late 18th century. He was renowned for his bravery in defending his people's lands and traditions against the encroachment of European settlers. His unwavering courage and resistance became a symbol of strength for his tribe.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Brave, each embodying the qualities of courage, valor, and resilience that the name represents.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Brave was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Brave, please contact us.

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