The name Brodie is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "brod," meaning "a shaking bog" or "a small ditch." It is believed to have originally been used as a surname referring to someone who lived near a boggy area.

The earliest recorded use of the name Brodie as a first name dates back to the 16th century in Scotland. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Sir Thomas Brodie (c. 1500-1566), a Scottish landowner and courtier who served as the Master of the King's Household during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.

In the 17th century, the name gained popularity among Scottish families, particularly in the northeastern regions of the country. One notable figure from this period was Alexander Brodie (1617-1680), a Scottish philosopher and writer who authored several works on theology and philosophy.

As the name spread beyond Scotland, it also appeared in historical records in other parts of the British Isles. In England, one of the earliest recorded individuals with the name was Brodie Greville (1694-1766), a British soldier and politician who served as a Member of Parliament.

Another notable figure was Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie (1783-1862), an English physiologist and surgeon who made significant contributions to the field of medicine. He was elected as the President of the Royal Society in 1858.

In the United States, the name gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Steven Brodie (1870-1901), an American daredevil who gained notoriety for his alleged jump from the Brooklyn Bridge in 1886.

Another prominent American with the name was Fanny Brodie (1856-1942), a writer and educator who authored several books on American history and culture, including "No Man's Land," which explored the experiences of American women during World War I.

Other notable individuals with the name Brodie include Walter Brodie (1919-2003), a British racing driver and businessman, and Fay Brodie (1917-1981), an American actress and dancer who appeared in several films and television shows during the mid-20th century.