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Bryson

♂ Boy

Pronounced BRY-son /ˈbraɪ.sən/High

Meaning: Son of Brice — Brice being a name of Celtic origin possibly meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled'High

In 30 seconds: An English surname meaning 'son of Brice,' with Celtic roots suggesting 'speckled' or 'freckled.' Bryson has ridden the wave of -son surname names to become a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name with an athletic, modern edge.
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Origin HighEnglish, Celtic
MeaningSon of Brice — Brice being a name of Celtic origin possibly meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled'
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 58,865

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719142017

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

History & Origin

Bryson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Brice.' Brice (also Bryce) derives from the Celtic or Gaulish name Bricius, possibly meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled.' Saint Brice (died 444), Bishop of Tours, was a successor of the great Saint Martin — his fame spread the name across medieval Europe.

As a given name, Bryson emerged in the U.S. in the 1990s and has risen steadily, reaching the top 100 boys' names by the 2010s. It benefits from the -son name trend and its clean, athletic sound. It is seen as a modern alternative to names like Jason or Mason.

Did you know? Travel writer and humorist Bill Bryson (b. 1951) — author of A Walk in the Woods and A Short History of Nearly Everything — is one of the most beloved modern bearers of this surname-name.

Variations

BriceBryceBrysen

Nicknames

BrySonny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Bill Bryson (b. 1951)
    American-British author and humorist, known for popular science and travel writing.

If you like Bryson…

Mason— top-ranked -son surname name of the same modern-classic style
Hudson— geographical -son name equally fashionable in the same era
Brayden— popular -en boys' name with the same clean, sporty feel
Greyson— similarly styled -son surname name rising alongside Bryson

Frequently Asked

What does the name Bryson mean?

Bryson is an English surname meaning 'son of Brice,' a Celtic name possibly meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled.'

How do you pronounce Bryson?

Bryson is pronounced BRY-son /ˈbraɪ.sən/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Bryson a boy or girl name?

Bryson is used predominantly as a boy's name.

How popular is Bryson?

Bryson has been in the U.S. top 100 boys' names since the early 2010s.