The name Bryant has its origins in the Old English language and can be traced back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Old English words "burn" meaning a stream or brook, and "hynt" meaning a hunter or someone skilled in woodcraft. The name was likely given to individuals who lived near a brook or were skilled hunters or foresters.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Bryant can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror, which contains a record of landowners in England. The name appears as "Bruant" and "Bruanth" in various entries.

In the 12th century, the name Bryant appears in the Pipe Rolls, a series of financial records maintained by the English Exchequer. One notable bearer of the name was Bryant de Insula, a landowner in Lincolnshire who is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of 1166.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Bryant was relatively common among the English gentry and nobility. One prominent historical figure was Sir Bryant de Redmarley, a 13th-century knight and landowner in Worcestershire. He was involved in the Second Barons' War, a rebellion against King Henry III, and was captured at the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

During the Renaissance period, the name Bryant gained prominence in the arts and literature. Bryant Jonson, an English actor and playwright who lived from around 1560 to 1627, was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and is known for his satirical plays and masques.

Another notable bearer of the name was Bryant Fairfax, an English poet and translator who lived from 1585 to 1639. He is best known for his translations of various works from Spanish and Italian into English, including works by Tasso and Guarini.

In the 18th century, Bryant became a popular name among the American Colonies. One of the most famous individuals with this name was William Cullen Bryant, an American romantic poet and journalist who lived from 1794 to 1878. He is best known for his poems "Thanatopsis" and "To a Waterfowl," and was a prominent figure in the early American literary scene.

Throughout history, the name Bryant has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including writers, artists, soldiers, and statesmen. Its enduring popularity and use across different cultures and time periods reflect its rich historical significance and linguistic roots.