Declining since 1985, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Brienne since 1977
Babies named Brienne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 171 |
| 1980s | 591 |
| 1990s | 267 |
| 2000s | 146 |
| 2010s | 239 |
| 2020s | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Brienne is a strikingly rare modern name with a debated etymology that may trace back to Celtic or French roots. First recorded in 1977, it experienced a brief peak in popularity in 1979, but has since followed a downward trajectory, becoming even less common after 1985. With a current rank of 11,932 and an incidence of 1 in 229,610 births in 2025, the name remains an unusual choice, likely recognizable to fans of the fictional warrior Brienne of Tarth. Its spelling is straightforward, with the simple 'Bree' and 'Brie' as natural nicknames.
Brienne is a modern feminine name of uncertain origin. It may derive from the Celtic name Brian, meaning 'high' or 'noble', or from the French surname Brienne, associated with a commune in Champagne. The name gained limited use in the late 20th century, particularly after appearing in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series (1996 onward) as the character Brienne of Tarth, which boosted its visibility. However, it remains rare in official records.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bree, Brie
Sibling names for Brienne
Names that share Brienne's style, for a brother or sister.
