Declining since 1986, #1,382 for boys today.
Popularity of Brett since 1926
Babies named Brett per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 38 |
| 1940s | 547 |
| 1950s | 7,255 |
| 1960s | 25,835 |
| 1970s | 28,922 |
| 1980s | 41,289 |
| 1990s | 35,422 |
| 2000s | 14,659 |
| 2010s | 3,947 |
| 2020s | 1,185 |
Meaning & origin
Brett is a name of English origin that denoted a person from Britain or Brittany. It first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1926 and reached its peak popularity in 1986, when it ranked among the top 150 names for boys. Since then, its use has been falling steadily. As of 2025, the name stands at rank 1,382, with an estimated 1 in 12,843 newborn boys named Brett. Its strongest association remains with the 1980s, when it was most widely used. The name has been particularly popular in states such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
Brett derives from the Old French term 'bret', which referred to a person from Brittany or Britain. It was originally a surname denoting someone of Celtic or Breton descent before being adopted as a given name. The name gained widespread use in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
Where Brett is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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
Variants: Bret
Sibling names for Brett
Names that share Brett's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brooke, Claire, Paige, Lauren, Erin, Misty, Christal, Dayna, Janell, Shelbi, Trina, Chelsy, Cristie, Greer, Jorie, Kym, Lynae, Randa, Shandi, Stacee, Trena, Whitley, Blaike, Brandis, Bretta, Brette, Brookie, Calley, Chera, Dalana, Faryn, Karee, Keleigh, Klynn, Lindi, Lynsi, Shelbee, Sherra, Tawney, Trenna, Brieann, Brittain, Brittin, Burgandy, Chelcee, Kursten, Lindzey, Mckell, Megin, Mendi, Scottlynn, Beckley, Bradee, Brettney, Breuna, Britania, Chasta, Cyndel, Denetta, Kellis, Klyn, Lessa, Rease, Shandee
Brothers: Trent, Chase, Grant, Ryan, Kyle, Blaine, Bradley, Justin, Scott, Wade, Aric, Brandt, Brant, Britton, Clint, Cyle, Jordon, Tod, Tory, Brayton, Graig, Kendel, Ryne, Torrence, Vann, Whit, Baird, Bayne, Blanton, Brack, Bretton, Brit, Britten, Chanse, Corde, Creig, Dael, Erek, Jerret, Kimble, Kord, Lantz, Tyrie, Branon, Brendt, Brentt, Chett, Grayling, Jeret, Keen, Keil, Shadd, Traves, Treg, Brok, Chez, Cote, Criag, Croy, Frazer, Guage, Jettsen, Kordel, Ndrew, Rett, Schon, Sherrick, Stran
Names like Brett
Names whose popularity has moved with Brett's over the last 50 years.
