Brianna is a name of Irish origin that means "strong." It is derived from the Irish word "brigh," which means "power" or "strength." The name has been popular among the Irish for centuries and was often given to daughters in hopes that they would grow up to be strong and powerful women.
The name Brianna first gained widespread recognition outside of Ireland in the 19th century, when it began to appear in English literature. One of the earliest appearances of the name is in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Rob Roy," which was published in 1817. In the novel, one of the main characters is named Diana Brianna, and her name is thought to have contributed to the popularity of the name Brianna among English speakers.
Over time, Brianna has become a popular name for girls around the world. It is often associated with Irish culture and heritage, but it has also been embraced by people of many different backgrounds and nationalities. Today, Brianna is considered a classic and elegant name that continues to be given to daughters who are expected to grow up to be strong and powerful women.
The name Brianna has seen varying popularity in the United States over the past few decades, with peaks and troughs in its usage. Between 1984 and 2022, there were a total of 433 babies named Brianna born in the U.S., according to available records.
The most popular years for the name Brianna were between 1993 and 2005, during which time it peaked at an impressive 53 births in 2004. This could indicate that there was a particular trend or influence driving the popularity of the name during this period. It's also interesting to note that the name has maintained some level of consistency throughout the years, with only one year (1987) having fewer than five births.
Despite fluctuations in its usage over time, Brianna remains a unique and recognizable name choice for parents looking to honor their daughters with a distinctive moniker. It's encouraging to see that even as tastes and trends change, there continues to be a steady appreciation for the name Brianna among expectant parents across the United States.