Find out how popular the first name Brazos has been for the last 30 years (from 1994 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brazos by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Brazos is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Brazos being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 20 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Brazos.

The history of the first name Brazos

The name Brazos originates from Spanish and Portuguese, deriving from the word "brazo" meaning "arm" in both languages. This name likely emerged during the medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula, which encompasses modern-day Spain and Portugal. It may have initially been used as a descriptive surname or nickname to identify someone with particularly muscular or strong arms.

Throughout history, the name Brazos has been associated with various notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Brazos de Herrera, a 16th-century Spanish conquistador who participated in the exploration and conquest of the Americas under Hernán Cortés. Another notable figure was Brazos Santiago, a 19th-century Mexican military leader who fought in the Mexican-American War.

During the colonial era in the Americas, Brazos became a relatively common name among Spanish and Portuguese settlers. For instance, Brazos de Santiago was a prominent landowner and rancher in what is now Texas during the late 18th century. The name also appeared in religious contexts, such as Brazos de Dios (Arms of God), a Franciscan friar who established missions in California in the 1700s.

In more recent centuries, several individuals with the name Brazos have made their mark in various fields. Brazos Aric was a 19th-century American frontiersman and explorer who helped map the American West. Brazos Woodson was a 20th-century African-American civil rights activist and author, known for his writings on racial equality.

Another notable figure was Brazos Rivera, a Mexican-American artist and muralist active in the mid-20th century, whose vibrant works celebrated his cultural heritage. Brazos Montoya was a prominent labor leader and organizer in the United States, advocating for the rights of migrant workers in the 1960s and 1970s.

While the name Brazos has roots in Spanish and Portuguese, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained recognition across various regions and communities. Its association with strength, endurance, and resilience has contributed to its enduring appeal and usage throughout history.

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 Brazos was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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