Bristol Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bristol originates from Old English, meaning 'the place at the bridge'. It has evolved through various forms over time, maintaining its association with a geographic location. The name reflects traits of trade and connectivity. There is no biblical relevance associated with it. Bristol has become a prominent city known for its cultural significance and historical importance.
The name Bristol is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Bristol has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Bristol' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5260th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6076th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8406th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7482nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4872nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6091st out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14677th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7236th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1292nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 490th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Bristol' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Bristol"
Pronunciation
/ˈbrɪstəl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Bristol is derived from the Old English term 'Bristol', which means 'the place at the bridge'. It combines the elements 'brycg' (bridge) and 'stað' (place).
Meaning
the place at the bridge
Language Evolution
Bristol (Old English), Bristol (Middle English), Bristol (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Bristol gained popularity as a place name in England during the medieval period due to its strategic location as a port and trading hub.
Variants & Derivatives
Bristolian (adjective and noun referring to a person from Bristol)
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Bristol is perceived as a vibrant, culturally rich city known for its music scene, street art, and maritime history.
Famous People
Banksy (artist), Geoffrey Chaucer (historian and poet), J.K. Rowling (author)
Explore More Bristol Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Bristol"
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 of "Bristol"
"Bristol" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5260th of 7545 | 26 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6076th of 6773 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8406th of 10718 | 15 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7482nd of 16616 | 68 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4872nd of 24088 | 271 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6091st of 23106 | 170 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14677th of 19264 | 15 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7236th of 27321 | 162 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1292nd of 35406 | 2,713 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 490th of 30306 | 7,769 |
Regional Popularity of "Bristol" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
68.16% 3123rd/4582 |
- | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Bristol" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.40% 843rd/4582 |
39.70% 2050th/5164 |
15.22% 1113th/7313 |
20.98% 1566th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.21% 327th/3984 |
19.61% 880th/4487 |
6.42% 438th/6822 |
11.65% 731st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Bristol"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Bristol" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.