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

Popularity of Bruin by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Bruin is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 44 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bruin.

The history of the first name Bruin

The given name Bruin has its roots in the Middle Dutch and Middle Flemish languages, stemming from the word "bruin" which means "brown" or "dusky." This name originated in the Low Countries during the medieval period, spanning modern-day Belgium, Netherlands, and parts of northern France.

One of the earliest known references to the name Bruin can be found in the 13th-century Middle Dutch epic poem "Van den vos Reynaerde" (Reynard the Fox), where it is used as a proper name for a bear character. This literary work is considered a significant piece of medieval Dutch literature and showcases the name's early association with the animal.

In the 14th century, the name Bruin gained prominence as a personal name in the Low Countries, particularly among the Dutch-speaking population. One notable bearer of this name was Bruin de Jonge (1330-1392), a Flemish nobleman and military leader who played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

During the Renaissance period, the name Bruin continued to be used across the Low Countries. A famous example is the Dutch painter Bruin Harmensz Bakhuizen (1629-1708), renowned for his marine landscapes and seascapes. His works are displayed in numerous museums, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

In the 18th century, the name Bruin found its way into English literature through the works of Jonathan Swift. In his satirical novel "Gulliver's Travels," published in 1726, one of the characters is named Bruin, a reference to the bear-like qualities of the character.

Another notable bearer of the name was Bruin Romkes (1753-1835), a Frisian astronomer and mathematician from the Netherlands. He made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and is credited with discovering several comets and asteroids.

While the name Bruin has its origins in the Low Countries, it has been adopted and used in various parts of the world over time. Some other notable individuals with this given name include Bruin Richardson (1772-1828), an American politician and soldier from Massachusetts, and Bruin Zambon (1935-2009), an Italian racing cyclist and Olympic medalist.

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

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

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