Boy · 828th of 23,106
Brecken
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
5,734
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2017
Peak Popularity Year
375
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Brecken stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Brecken is an Irish name meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled,' derived from the Old Irish 'bréac.' It evolved through various forms including Bréac and Breacan before taking its modern form as Brecken. The name has gained popularity in recent years, associated with a modern and unique image. It has no biblical relevance, but it carries a rich cultural heritage.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbrɛkən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Brecken is derived from the Irish word 'bréac,' meaning 'speckled' or 'freckled.' It is often associated with a surname that was adopted as a given name.
Meaning
speckled, freckled
Language Evolution
Bréac (Old Irish), Breacan (Middle Irish), Brecken (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Brecken gained popularity in the 20th century as a given name, particularly in the United States, where it became fashionable for its unique sound and connection to Irish heritage.
Variants & Derivatives
Breckenridge, Breck, Breckin
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Brecken is viewed as a modern and trendy name, often associated with a sense of individuality and cultural roots.
Famous People
Brecken Palmer, an American actor, Breckenridge Long, an American diplomat
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 375 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 34 US states, with strongest presence in Nebraska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9965th of 16616 | 33 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1509th of 24088 | 1,497 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 828th of 23106 | 3,346 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7838th of 27321 | 144 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5238th of 35406 | 390 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5007th of 30306 | 318 |