Declining since 2019, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Bri since 1976
Babies named Bri per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bri's real moment was 2019.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 32 |
| 1990s | 63 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 63 |
Meaning & origin
Bri is a short, modern name that emerged in the late 20th century, first recorded in 1976. It gained modest popularity, reaching its peak rank of 9,457th in 2019, before beginning a gradual decline. As of 2025, about 1 in 160,727 newborns receives this name, reflecting its niche but recognizable presence. Most popular in the 2010s, Bri follows the trend of clipped diminutives like Tee or Ray. While no top state data is available, it is used across the U.S. as a standalone name, often chosen for its simplicity and connection to the more formal Brianna. Its trajectory has been falling since 2019, indicating a waning preference, but it remains a straightforward, feminine-sounding choice.
Bri originated as a diminutive of Brianna, the feminine form of Brian, or directly from the Irish name Brian. The root Brian is of debated origin, possibly from Old Celtic *brīg- meaning 'strength' or 'high,' or from an Old Irish word for 'noble.' The shortened form arose in the 20th century as part of the trend for clipped, one-syllable names.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Bri
Names that share Bri's style, for a brother or sister.
