Bryce is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Brìgh", which means "speckled" or "piebald". It refers to someone with hair that has two colors, often brown and blond. The name was initially used as a surname, but it has gained popularity as a given name in recent years.
The history of the name Bryce can be traced back to Scotland, where it was traditionally passed down through generations of families. In the Middle Ages, Bryce was considered a noble name, and many members of high-ranking Scottish clans bore this name. Some notable historical figures named Bryce include Sir Thomas Bryce, who served as a Member of Parliament for Dumfriesshire in the late 19th century, and Sir James Bryce, a British diplomat and historian who served as Ambassador to the United States during World War I.
Despite its Scottish origins, the name Bryce has also gained popularity in other parts of the world. In the United States, for example, it has been consistently ranked among the top 500 boys' names since the early 20th century. Today, Bryce is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for boys.
In popular culture, several well-known figures have borne the name Bryce, including American basketball player Bryce Harper and Canadian actor Bryce Dallas Howard. These individuals have helped to further popularize the name and make it more widely recognized around the world. Overall, Bryce is a unique and distinctive name with a rich history and an appealing meaning that continues to captivate people today.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Bryce has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From just five births per year in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the number of babies named Bryce began to rise steadily during the 1970s and 1980s.
The turning point came in 1993 when there were 74 births of Bryce. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating that more parents were choosing this name for their children. The popularity of the name continued to grow rapidly throughout the remainder of the decade, reaching a peak of 163 births in 1998.
However, after peaking in 1998, the popularity of the name Bryce began to decline slightly over time. Despite this decrease, the name remained relatively popular compared to its earlier years, with an average of around 80 births per year from 2005 to 2015.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Bryce has continued to fluctuate but remains steady overall. In 2021 and 2022, there were 62 and 73 births respectively, showing that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Bryce is still a well-liked choice for parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the changing trends in popularity of the name Bryce over time. While it took some time to gain traction, this name eventually became quite popular before stabilizing at a steady level in recent years.