Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Brody is a Scottish name meaning 'muddy place,' originating from a town in Scotland. It has evolved from Brodie to Brody over time. The name is linked to a sense of adventure and modernity, with no biblical connections. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is associated with several notable individuals.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbroʊdi/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Brody is derived from a place name in Scotland, specifically from the town of Brodie in Moray. The name itself is thought to come from the Gaelic word 'bròid,' meaning 'ditch' or 'mud.'
Meaning
muddy place
Language Evolution
Brodie, Brody
Historical Usage
Brody gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, as a trendy choice for boys.
Variants & Derivatives
Brodie, Brod, Brodyn
Modern Popularity & Image
Brody is often viewed as a modern and stylish name, associated with a laid-back and adventurous spirit. It has a contemporary appeal and is popular among younger generations.
Famous People
Brody Jenner, Brody Dalle, Brody Stevens
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,319 peak births in 2008
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 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4826th of 7552 | 38 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1338th of 10718 | 653 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 621st of 16616 | 3,951 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 147th of 24088 | 43,385 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 148th of 23106 | 32,147 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 25632nd of 27321 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9427th of 35406 | 173 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10878th of 30306 | 103 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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) |
37.69% 1107th/2937 |
60.24% 2098th/3483 |
43.15% 1518th/3518 |
25.07% 1014th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.40% 457th/3685 |
20.40% 913th/4475 |
13.40% 696th/5194 |
9.67% 611th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.44% 112th/4582 |
2.85% 147th/5164 |
2.09% 153rd/7313 |
2.45% 183rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
3.14% 125th/3984 |
2.92% 131st/4487 |
2.27% 155th/6822 |
2.72% 171st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4826th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1338th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 621st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 147th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 148th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 25632nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9427th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10878th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.