Brianna: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

Girl name origins & meanings

Irish : Resolute, strong

What does Brianna mean and stand for?

The name Brianna is of Irish origin and means "resolute, strong." Historians believe it first entered the scene in the 16th century with Edmund Spenser's poem "The Faerie Queen." It is a variant of Briana.

Syllables: 3

Girl name variations

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Marie Osmond

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Brianna has drastically decreased in popularity the past few decades. It held a spot in the top 20 from 2000 to 2006, a spot in the top 50 until 2011, and a spot in the top 100 until 2016. Though it's fallen recently, it still remains in the top 150, and still beats its sister spelling, Briana, by quite a lot.

However, it is the 27th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Brianna was at its peak popularity in June 2020.

Brianna is thought to be a rather old name, but its popularity is quite recent. It became a staple in the late 1970s and has only recently fallen in popularity. Notable namesakes include actress Brianna Lynn Brown, actress Brianna Caitlin Hildebrand, and singer Brianna Lea Pruett. Country singer Trace Atkins also chose the name for his daughter.