Boy · 83rd of 16,616
Brett
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
162,372
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1986
Peak Popularity Year
4,906
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Brett 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
Brett is an Old English name meaning 'a native of Brittany'. It has evolved from the word 'breot' and has historical forms such as Breton and Brettan. The name gained popularity in the 20th century and is often viewed positively in contemporary culture. There are several variants and derivatives, and it is notable for its connection to famous individuals.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/brɛt/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Brett is derived from the Old English word 'breot', which means 'a native of Brittany'. It was originally used as a surname for people from that region.
Meaning
a native of Brittany
Language Evolution
Breton, Brett, Brettan
Historical Usage
The name Brett gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Variants & Derivatives
Bret, Brettan, Brettie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Brett is perceived as a modern, masculine name that is often associated with a laid-back and approachable personality.
Famous People
Brett Favre, Brett Kavanaugh, Brett Anderson
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,906 peak births in 1986
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2498th of 6773 | 170 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 224th of 7552 | 19,718 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 109th of 10718 | 45,846 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 83rd of 16616 | 64,657 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 223rd of 24088 | 25,252 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 829th of 23106 | 3,331 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3335th of 12526 | 242 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1697th of 19264 | 900 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1490th of 27321 | 1,555 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4214th of 35406 | 521 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 7671st of 30306 | 175 |