MallowbyNames

Bruna

BROO-nah · Brown, dark-haired

2025 rank (girls)
#5,554
Babies named in 2025
22
Peak popularity
1915
2025 frequency
1 in 73,058 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1988

A 1910s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Bruna since 1907

Babies named Bruna per year in U.S. Social Security records.

112334192019602000Most births 1920Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1900s13
1910s150
1920s217
1930s81
1940s37
1950s55
1960s27
1970s0
1980s16
1990s98
2000s160
2010s105
2020s110

Meaning & origin

Bruna, the feminine form of Bruno, has a quiet but enduring presence in American naming. First recorded in the U.S. in 1907, the name saw its peak popularity in 1915. After decades of low usage, it has been steadily rising again since 1988, a revival that continues into 2025. In its latest year, the name was given to approximately 1 in 73,058 newborns, ranking at 5554. Bruna's bearers are most concentrated in Florida, reflecting its enduring appeal in communities with Italian and Portuguese heritage. Though never a Top 100 staple, its soft sound and international flair give it a timeless charm for parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and distinctive.

Bruna is the feminine form of Bruno, derived from the Germanic element brun, meaning "brown" or "dark". It became common in medieval Italy and Portugal, often given to girls with dark hair or complexion. The name spread across Europe via saints and royals, including Saint Bruno of Cologne.

Where Bruna is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Bruna” around the world

Where Bruna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    30

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Bru, Nina

Variants: Brunella

Sibling names for Bruna

Names that share Bruna's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bruna, our favorite little girl.

B is for Bruna…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bruna's letter becomes Bruna's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bruna's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Bruna mean?
Bruna means "brown" or "dark-haired", derived from the Germanic element brun.
How popular is the name Bruna currently?
Bruna ranked #5554 in the U.S. in 2025, with about 1 in 73,058 newborns given the name that year.
Is Bruna typically a boy or girl name?
Bruna is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.