Declining since 2009, #236 for boys today.
Popularity of Brody since 1954
Babies named Brody per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 27 |
| 1960s | 39 |
| 1970s | 538 |
| 1980s | 1,225 |
| 1990s | 5,008 |
| 2000s | 26,690 |
| 2010s | 37,257 |
| 2020s | 10,894 |
Meaning & origin
Brody entered American baby name records in 1954 and rose steadily through the late 20th century. It reached its peak in 2008 as the 236th most popular name that year, with 1 in 1,145 boys receiving the name in 2025. Since 2009 its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a shift away from similar-sounding surname names. Brody is most strongly associated with Rhode Island, Montana, and New Hampshire, where it has seen concentrated popularity. Despite its decline, Brody remains a recognizable choice with a rugged, outdoorsy feel rooted in its Gaelic meaning of 'ditch' or 'muddy place.'
Brody derives from a Scottish or Irish surname originating from a place name meaning 'ditch' or 'muddy place' in Gaelic. It was originally a locational surname for someone who lived near a muddy area. The name gained popularity as a given name in the United States starting in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s.
Where Brody is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Brody” around the world
Where Brody lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
36
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bro, Brode
Variants: Brodey, Brodye, Broodie
Sibling names for Brody
Names that share Brody's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Avery, Harper, Piper, Quinn, Kendall, Brynn, Lorna, Brinkley, Brynley, Kenna, Kolbie, Tierney, Jesly, Kambri, Kenli, Kerigan, Kimbra, Mayrin, Breslin, Brylei, Cydne, Kelbi, Keyleigh, Murphie, Ryenne, Siddalee, Ambrie, Cambelle, Camera, Devri, Keslee, Lexxie
Brothers: Caden, Logan, Mason, Riley, Jaxon, Jacoby, Madden, Brighton, Noland, Bodee, Bodey, Brekken, Cobey, Findley, Kelso, Kinnick, Klinton, Kenyen, Wrangler, Bowe, Bowdy, Brode, Brodin, Brolin
Names like Brody
Names whose popularity has moved with Brody's over the last 50 years.
