Rising since 1986, #400 for girls today.
Popularity of Briar since 1971
Babies named Briar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 50 | 31 |
| 1980s | 75 | 10 |
| 1990s | 212 | 716 |
| 2000s | 466 | 1,244 |
| 2010s | 2,587 | 2,128 |
| 2020s | 3,612 | 2,218 |
Meaning & origin
Briar entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1972 and has been steadily rising in popularity since 1986. It reached its peak rank of 400 in 2025, with about 1 in every 2,066 newborns receiving the name. The name is especially favored in South Dakota, North Dakota, and New Hampshire. Its rise coincides with a broader trend toward nature-inspired names like Hazel and Willow. Though historically associated with the thorny plant, Briar's gentle sound and unisex appeal have made it a modern classic.
Derived from Middle English brere, from Old English brēr, denoting a prickly bush or thicket. In Scotland and northern England, it was also used as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a briar patch. The given name Briar gained currency in the late 20th century, associated with the natural landscape and the word's pleasant sound.
Where Briar 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.
“Briar” around the world
Where Briar lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bri, B
Sibling names for Briar
Names that share Briar's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hazel, Ivy, Willow, Fern, Rowan, Aspen, Fawn, Shay, Stormi, Aspyn, Guinevere, Shasta, Tawny, Acadia, Amberley, Madigan, Robyne, Aberdeen, Aslee, Brittain, Chalice, Dulse, Icelynn, Shar, Skie, Swayzie, Witney, Kerria, Aerie, Aften, Arli, Azaylie, Calirose, Fawna, Larken, Marlet, Rielle, Sorrel
Brothers: Jasper, Orion, Sage, Cedar, Ash, Axle, Brecken, Cove, Gael, Gunner, Heath, Rowen, Chozen, Gauge, Kanyon, Summit, Aceson, Albion, Bayne, Bracken, Briston, Chael, Thorne, Tuff, Ashford, Bayden, Blayde, Brees, Breland, Decklan, Delsin, Grayland, Hawthorne, Pike, Rhone, Slayden, Thorn, Zakk, Bowe, Deadrick, Grantley, Acre, Arson, Bannon, Brex, Breyer, Broox, Chanceler, Cortlin, Cranston, Hawthorn, Korde, Royel, Teagon, Trig, Weyland, Xen
