Bry first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Bry has been for the last 29 years (from 1988 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Bry

Derived from the Welsh name Brian, meaning "high," "noble," or "virtuous."

Popularity of Bry by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Bry is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bry.

Year Male Count Female Count
2016 5 0
2010 5 0
2003 6 0
1998 5 0
1993 5 0
1990 5 0
1988 5 0

The history of the first name Bry

The name Bry is believed to have its origins in the Welsh language, where it is a shortened form of the name Bryan or Brian. The name Bryan is derived from the Old Celtic word "bri," meaning "hill" or "high." This suggests that the name Bry may have been used to refer to someone who lived on or near a hill or elevated area.

In the early Middle Ages, the name Bryan was popular among the Welsh and Irish people. It gained widespread recognition in the 11th century when Brian Boru, an Irish king and military leader, successfully defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. His victory solidified the name's association with strength and leadership.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bry can be found in the Welsh manuscript known as the "Red Book of Hergest," dating back to the late 14th or early 15th century. This manuscript contains a collection of Welsh literature, including poetry and tales, and mentions a character named Bry.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Bry or variations of it. One such figure was Bry ap Nefydd Hardd, a 14th-century Welsh poet and member of the renowned Gorsedd of Bards. His poems were widely celebrated for their lyrical beauty and cultural significance.

Another prominent individual was Bry ap Rhydderch, a 6th-century Welsh king and warrior who ruled over the region of Ceredigion. He is remembered for his military prowess and his efforts to defend his kingdom against invaders.

In the 16th century, Bry Llwyd, a Welsh poet and scholar, gained recognition for his contributions to Welsh literature. He is known for his collection of poems and his role in preserving and promoting the Welsh language and culture.

During the 17th century, Bry Jones, a Welsh clergyman and author, made significant contributions to the field of theology and religious literature. His works, including sermons and treatises, were widely read and influential during his time.

In the 19th century, Bry Roberts, a Welsh artist and engraver, gained recognition for his intricate and detailed works depicting landscapes and scenes from Welsh history and culture. His engravings are considered important examples of Welsh art and craftsmanship.

While the name Bry may not be as common today as it once was, it holds a rich historical legacy and connection to Welsh culture and literature. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic languages, and it has been borne by notable figures throughout the centuries.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Bry first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 5, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/bry-meaning-and-history/.

"Bry first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/bry-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 5 May, 2025

Bry first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/bry-meaning-and-history/.

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.