Bruce is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It derives from the Scottish Gaelic name Brus or Bruis, which means "bush" or "thicket." This name was borne by Robert the Bruce (1274-1329), King of Scotland who led the Scots to independence from England during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The name Bruce became popular outside Scotland after Robert the Bruce's exploits were celebrated in the late 14th century poem "The Brus" by John Barbour. It gained further popularity among English-speaking countries due to its association with prominent historical figures and celebrities, such as Bruce Lee (1940-1973), a renowned martial artist and actor from Hong Kong, and Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), an American musician and singer-songwriter.
Today, Bruce continues to be used widely as a given name for boys around the world. It has several variant forms, including Brus, Brucie, Brucester, and Brucey. In some cases, it may also serve as a surname, particularly in Scotland and other countries with historical ties to Scotland.
The name Bruce has been consistently popular in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year. Between 1895 and 1995, there were a total of 1395 babies named Bruce born in the U.S.
In the early years recorded (1895-1914), the name's popularity was relatively low, with no more than seven births per year. However, starting from 1916, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, reaching a peak of 38 births in 1964.
The name maintained a significant level of popularity throughout the mid-20th century, with an average of around 30 births per year between 1950 and 1970. After this period, the popularity of Bruce began to decline gradually. Between 1980 and 1995, there were fewer than 16 births per year on average.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, Bruce has remained a timeless name choice for parents in the United States, with a total of nearly 1400 babies given this name since 1895. This longevity and consistency demonstrate the enduring appeal of the name Bruce.