Declining since 1990, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Brion since 1945
Babies named Brion per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Brion's real moment was 1973.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 43 |
| 1950s | 522 |
| 1960s | 395 |
| 1970s | 612 |
| 1980s | 360 |
| 1990s | 416 |
| 2000s | 214 |
| 2010s | 167 |
| 2020s | 78 |
Meaning & origin
Brion is an alternate spelling of Brian, which has deep roots in Irish history and legend. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1945, and saw its highest popularity in 1973, around the same time that the more common spelling Brian surged. Since then, its usage has declined steadily, and by 2025 it ranked 8,243rd with only about 1 in every 189,786 newborn boys receiving the name. Though it never reached the top tier of popularity, Brion has remained in consistent but sparse use, particularly among families seeking a less common variation of the classic Brian. Despite its Irish origins, Brion has no strong associations with any particular U.S. state, reflecting its diffuse but small presence across the country. For parents who want the familiar sound of Brian but a visually distinctive spelling, Brion offers a straightforward yet uncommon choice.
Brion is a variant spelling of Brian, which derives from the Old Irish name Brían. The meaning is debated, with some sources suggesting it comes from a Celtic word for 'hill' or 'eminence', while others propose a meaning of 'noble' or 'high'. The name has been borne by several Irish kings, most notably Brian Boru, a 10th-century High King of Ireland.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bri, B
Sibling names for Brion
Names that share Brion's style, for a brother or sister.
