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Bryant

♂ Boy

Pronounced BRY-unt /ˈbraɪ.ənt/High

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.

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Origin MediumCeltic, Irish

MeaningHigh; noble; strong; a surname form of Brian, from Celtic Brigantia (high, noble, exalted)

U.S. rank (2025)#1323 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births146 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1989

Total births (all-time)≈ 51,696

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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

★Bryant Gumbel (1948-)
American television journalist and longtime morning-show host
★Bryant Reeves (1973-)
American NBA center

If you like Bryant…

Brian— the direct parent name from which Bryant derives

Bryan— the -an spelling of the same Celtic name

Brendan— Irish Celtic name with the same Br- opening

Brennan— Irish -an ending name with the same Celtic heritage

Rylan— two-syllable -ant/-an ending name with the same modern feel

Explore names like Bryant

By themeenglish two-syllable celtic basketball tribute-name

By meaningStrength Royal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bryant mean?

Bryant means 'high,' 'noble,' or 'strong,' a surname form of Brian, from Celtic Brigantia (noble, exalted).

How do you pronounce Bryant?

It's said BRY-unt — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Bryant a boy or girl name?

Bryant is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Bryant?

Bryant ranked #1175 for U.S. boys in 2024.