Boy · 34th of 7,552
Bruce
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
387,708
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1956
Peak Popularity Year
14,693
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Bruce 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
The name Bruce has its origins in Norman French, deriving from a place name meaning 'from the brush or thicket'. It evolved from 'Brus' to 'Bruce'. Its historical significance is tied to Robert the Bruce, a key figure in Scottish history, which contributes to its strong image. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/bruːs/
Origin
Norman French
Etymology
The name Bruce is derived from the place name 'Brix', located in Normandy, France. It was brought to Scotland by the Norman nobleman Robert de Brus in the 12th century.
Meaning
from the brush or thicket
Language Evolution
Brus, Bruce
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Scotland after Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots, led his country during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Bru, Brucie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Bruce is often associated with strength and leadership, partly due to its historical connections and its use in popular culture.
Famous People
Robert the Bruce, Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Lee
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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 14,693 peak births in 1956
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Vermont
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
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 | 154th of 7545 | 16,260 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 68th of 6773 | 57,148 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 34th of 7552 | 227,646 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 99th of 10718 | 48,540 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 233rd of 16616 | 18,713 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 457th of 24088 | 9,135 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 462nd of 23106 | 7,668 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2901st of 9107 | 173 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2362nd of 9204 | 243 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1930th of 12526 | 595 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3581st of 19264 | 287 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 10575th of 27321 | 86 |