Meaning: High; noble; strong; a surname form of Brian, from Celtic Brigantia (high, noble, exalted)Medium
In 30 seconds: An English surname form of Brian meaning 'high' or 'noble,' from Celtic Brigantia. Associated with NBA legend Kobe Bryant, whose legacy has made Bryant one of the most tributed names in sports history.
MeaningHigh; noble; strong; a surname form of Brian, from Celtic Brigantia (high, noble, exalted)
U.S. rank (2024)#1175 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births176 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1989
Total births (all-time)≈ 51,550
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Bryant is an English surname form of Brian, from Celtic Brigantia (high, noble, exalted — possibly from the goddess Brigantia). As a given name Bryant has been used in African American and broader communities since the 20th century.
Bryant ranked #1175 for boys in 2024.
Did you know? Kobe Bryant (1978–2020) is one of the most beloved athletes in American sports history — his death in a helicopter crash in January 2020, alongside his daughter Gianna, sent a wave of grief across the world that has made 'Kobe' and 'Bryant' tribute names in communities nationwide.
Overall data confidence 83%
Behind the Name — Bryant — Celtic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
BrianBryan
Nicknames
Bry
Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Bryant…
Brian— the direct parent name from which Bryant derives
