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

Popularity of Bryer by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Bryer is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 88% of people named Bryer being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 121 male babies and 22 female babies born with the name Bryer.

The history of the first name Bryer

The name Bryer has its origins in the Old English language, dating back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the Old English word "brynan," which means "to burn" or "to kindle." This word is closely related to the Old Norse term "brenna," which also means "to burn." The name Bryer was likely given to someone who worked as a brick maker or kiln operator, professions closely associated with fire and burning.

During the Middle Ages, the name Bryer was relatively uncommon but can be found in various historical records across England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions a landowner named Bryer in Norfolk. In the 12th century, a monk named Bryer was documented as residing at Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Bryer de Wynton was recorded as a priest and scribe in Winchester, England. He is believed to have been responsible for transcribing several important manuscripts during his lifetime.

The name Bryer also appears in the Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. One of the characters, a miller, is referred to as "Bryer the Miller" in the text.

In the 16th century, a famous English composer named Bryer Fairfax was born in 1520. He served as a court musician during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI and is renowned for his contributions to the development of English church music.

Another notable figure with the name Bryer was Bryer Bunyon, born in 1628. He was a prominent Puritan preacher and author who wrote several influential works, including "The Pilgrim's Progress," which is considered one of the greatest allegories in English literature.

During the 18th century, Bryer Ramsay was a Scottish-born portrait painter who gained fame for his works depicting members of the British aristocracy. He was born in 1713 and is considered one of the most influential artists of the period.

In the 19th century, Bryer Stoker was an Irish writer and theater critic, best known for his Gothic horror novel "Dracula," published in 1897. He was born in 1847 and his work has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Bryer, reflecting its long-standing presence in various cultures and time periods.

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

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

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