The name Bruce is derived from an Old North French word "brusque", meaning "wooded" or "brushwood". It emerged as a surname in Medieval France and later became used as a masculine given name in England, Scotland, and other parts of the British Isles.

The earliest recorded use of Bruce as a surname dates back to the 11th century, with the Norman family Brus, who accompanied William the Conqueror to England in 1066. The most famous member of this family was Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (1274-1329), who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against England.

In the late Middle Ages, the name Bruce began to be used as a first name, particularly in Scotland and northern England. One of the earliest recorded instances is Bruce of Annandale (c. 1215-1295), a Scottish nobleman and one of the claimants to the Scottish throne during the Great Cause.

As a first name, Bruce has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. These include Bruce Goff (1904-1982), an influential American architect known for his organic and unconventional designs. Another is Bruce Lee (1940-1973), the legendary Hong Kong American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker who helped popularize martial arts movies in the West.

Other famous individuals named Bruce include Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), the American singer-songwriter and rock icon known for his poetic lyrics and energetic stage performances. Bruce Wayne is the fictional alter-ego of the DC Comics superhero Batman, created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane in 1939.

Bruce Nauman (born 1941) is an American artist renowned for his pioneering work in sculpture, performance art, and video art. He is considered one of the most influential artists of the late 20th century.