HomeBaby Names DirectoryBrody

Brody

♂ Boy

Pronounced BROH-dee /ˈbroʊ.di/High

Meaning: Muddy place; from the Scottish Gaelic place name Brodie, from broth or brothag (muddy ditch)Medium

In 30 seconds: A Scottish surname meaning 'muddy place' that has become a popular first name in the United States and Australia. Its strong, sporty sound has wide contemporary appeal.
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Origin MediumScottish Gaelic
MeaningMuddy place; from the Scottish Gaelic place name Brodie, from broth or brothag (muddy ditch)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 65,972

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819542017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Brody is an anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Brodie, a place name in Moray, Scotland, likely derived from an early Gaelic word related to broth or brothag meaning 'muddy ditch.' The Brodie clan of Scotland has borne the name for many centuries. As a given name it began appearing in the United States in the late 20th century.

Brody climbed the U.S. boys' charts in the 1990s and 2000s, driven by the broader trend of using Scottish and Irish surnames as first names. It has a sporty, contemporary feel while retaining the credibility of genuine Scottish roots. The character Brody in the TV series Homeland (2011) gave it additional visibility.

Did you know? Brodie Castle in Moray, Scotland, has been the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for centuries — giving the name a tangible piece of Scottish heritage.

Variations

BrodieBrady

Nicknames

Bro

Famous Bearers

  • Brody Jenner (b. 1983)
    American television personality known for <em>The Hills</em> and other reality TV.

If you like Brody…

Riley— Irish surname used as a first name with similar appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Brody mean?

Brody is from a Scottish Gaelic place name meaning 'muddy place' or 'ditch.' It is the name of a clan and castle in Moray, Scotland.

How do you pronounce Brody?

Brody is pronounced BROH-dee (/ˈbroʊ.di/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Brody a boy or girl name?

Brody is used predominantly as a boy's name.

How popular is Brody?

Brody has been a top-200 U.S. boys' name since the 2000s and remains consistently popular.