Declining since 2022, #3,181 for boys today.
Popularity of Brave since 2008
Babies named Brave per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 0 | 17 |
| 2010s | 63 | 207 |
| 2020s | 97 | 284 |
Meaning & origin
Brave is a modern virtue name that entered U.S. birth records in 2008 and has gradually gained attention as a distinctive choice. While it remains uncommon, ranking 3,181 in 2025 with an incidence of about 1 in every 46,164 births, its popularity has fluctuated: it reached a peak rank in 2023, though it has been on a downward trajectory since 2022. The name is not concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its broad but sparse appeal. As a unisex name, Brave appeals to parents seeking a bold, value-driven name that stands apart from traditional choices.
Brave emerged as a given name in the late 2000s, likely as a direct use of the English word meaning 'courageous' or 'fearless'. It belongs to a category of modern virtue names adopted from common English vocabulary, such as 'Journey' or 'True'. Since its first recorded appearance in 2008, it has seen modest but growing usage, particularly in the 2020s.
Sibling names for Brave
Names that share Brave's style, for a brother or sister.
