Brynn

♀ Girl

Pronounced BRIN /brɪn/High

Meaning: From Welsh bryn meaning hill; used as a given name particularly in Welsh and Welsh-American communitiesHigh

In 30 seconds: Brynn is a crisp Welsh name meaning 'hill' — a one-syllable Celtic gem that has become one of America's most stylish short girls' names, balancing simplicity and quiet elegance.

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Origin HighWelsh

MeaningFrom Welsh bryn meaning hill; used as a given name particularly in Welsh and Welsh-American communities

U.S. rank (2025)#407 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births767 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 29,813

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Brynn comes directly from the Welsh word bryn, meaning hill or mound. In Welsh it is also a male name, but in the United States it has settled into primarily feminine use.

Brynn gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1990s and 2000s, riding the trend of one-syllable girl names. The double-n spelling is the most common American variant.

Did you know? Bryn Mawr, the prestigious Pennsylvania women's college, bears the same Welsh word bryn (hill) plus mawr (large), meaning great hill — giving the name a distinguished academic association.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Brynn — Welsh etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BrynBrin

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Brynn…

Quinn— shares the crisp one-syllable Celtic heritage and the same sleek modern femininity

Sloane— fellow one-syllable sophisticated name with the same clipped elegance

Blair— shares the Celtic topographic one-syllable feel and preppy-cool style

Paige— another crisp one-syllable girl's name with a similar modern-classic arc

Frequently Asked

What does the name Brynn mean?

Brynn means hill or mound directly from the Welsh word bryn.

How do you pronounce Brynn?

It is said BRIN /brɪn/ — one syllable.

Is Brynn a Welsh name?

Yes, Brynn comes directly from the Welsh word bryn meaning hill.

Is Brynn a boy or girl name?

In Wales it is used for both; in the United States it is almost exclusively a girls' name.