Find out how popular the first name Bryar has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bryar by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Bryar is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 73% of people named Bryar being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 63 male babies and 49 female babies born with the name Bryar.

The history of the first name Bryar

The given name Bryar has its origins rooted in the ancient Celtic languages, particularly those spoken across the British Isles and parts of continental Europe during the medieval period. Etymologists trace its earliest form to the Old Welsh word "briar," which referred to a thorny shrub or bramble bush that was commonly found in the region.

This name's association with the natural world and the rugged landscapes of the Celtic homelands is further reinforced by its potential links to the Gaelic word "brì," meaning "vigor" or "liveliness." Such connections suggest that Bryar may have initially been bestowed upon individuals perceived as hardy, resilient, or possessing an indomitable spirit.

While records of the name's usage in ancient texts and historical documents are scarce, there are indications that variations of Bryar, such as "Briar" and "Brier," were in circulation among Celtic populations as early as the 11th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which cataloged landowners and tenants in feudal England following the Norman conquest.

Throughout the centuries, Bryar has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including nobility, scholars, and artists. Notably, Bryar de Bordeaux (1210-1274) was a French nobleman and crusader who participated in the Eighth Crusade to the Holy Land. In the realm of literature, Bryar Donaldson (1475-1537) was a Scottish poet and playwright renowned for his satirical works during the Renaissance period.

The name also has a rich heritage in the field of exploration and discovery. Bryar Hawkins (1572-1622) was an English navigator and explorer who accompanied Sir Walter Raleigh on his expeditions to the Americas, and later became a prominent figure in the colonization of Virginia. Additionally, Bryar MacKenzie (1695-1756) was a Scottish fur trader and explorer who played a significant role in mapping the Canadian wilderness and establishing trade routes for the Hudson's Bay Company.

In more recent times, Bryar Llewellyn (1892-1976) was a Welsh artist and sculptor whose works captured the rugged beauty of the Welsh landscape and its people. His sculptures and paintings remain iconic representations of the Welsh cultural identity and can be found in many prestigious galleries and museums across the United Kingdom.

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

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

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