Declining since 2015, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of British since 1969
Babies named British per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 | 0 |
| 1970s | 16 | 0 |
| 1980s | 57 | 11 |
| 1990s | 67 | 10 |
| 2000s | 7 | 0 |
| 2010s | 103 | 5 |
| 2020s | 44 | 5 |
Meaning & origin
British is a rare, patriotic given name that has never achieved widespread popularity. First recorded as a given name in 1969, it saw its peak usage in 2015, though even then the numbers were minuscule. By 2025, the name's trajectory has been falling since its peak, and it currently ranks 13,208 overall, with only 1 in every 267,878 baby girls receiving the name. The name did not rank in any top states, reflecting its scattered, infrequent use. As a place-name coinage, British fits a niche trend of using geographic terms as first names, but it remains far less common than names like London or Paris. Its appeal likely lies in a distinctive, straightforward connection to the British Isles, though it has not gained traction in mainstream naming.
British is a modern given name derived directly from the adjective meaning 'from Britain' or 'of the British Isles'. It emerged as a given name in the late 20th century, likely influenced by patriotic or place-name trends. Its use as a first name remains rare and unconventional.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brit
Sibling names for British
Names that share British's style, for a brother or sister.
