Declining since 1993, #3,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Brea since 1972
Babies named Brea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 383 |
| 1980s | 609 |
| 1990s | 1,795 |
| 2000s | 1,392 |
| 2010s | 1,166 |
| 2020s | 394 |
Meaning & origin
Brea is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1972. It experienced a rise in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its peak rank in 1993. Since then, its usage has steadily declined: by 2025, it ranked 3,067th with about 1 in 30,326 girls receiving the name. The name was most common in California, its top state. Brea is often considered a variant or diminutive of Breanna or Brianna, but its exact origins are unclear. It fits a pattern of short, melodic names that were fashionable in the late 20th century. Today, Brea remains a distinctive choice, though less common than its counterparts.
Brea first appeared in U.S. records in 1972, likely as a creative spelling or shortening of names like Breanna or Brianna. It follows a trend of short, feminine names ending in '-ea' that gained popularity in the late 20th century. Its usage peaked in 1993 and has since declined.
Where Brea is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bree, Brea-Brea
Sibling names for Brea
Names that share Brea's style, for a brother or sister.
