A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Bruno since 1880
Babies named Bruno per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bruno's real moment was 1915.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 62 |
| 1890s | 130 |
| 1900s | 203 |
| 1910s | 2,272 |
| 1920s | 2,340 |
| 1930s | 986 |
| 1940s | 698 |
| 1950s | 850 |
| 1960s | 888 |
| 1970s | 621 |
| 1980s | 709 |
| 1990s | 1,073 |
| 2000s | 2,268 |
| 2010s | 3,464 |
| 2020s | 2,311 |
Meaning & origin
Bruno is a classic Germanic name that has maintained consistent use since the 1880s, ranking at #740 in 2025 with about 1 in 4,866 boys receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 1915, and after a mid-century decline, it has been steadily rising again since 1985, reflecting a revival of vintage names. The name is especially prominent in states like Florida, Nevada, and Kentucky. Its straightforward meaning and strong consonant sound give it a sturdy, approachable quality that appeals to modern parents seeking a name with historical depth.
Bruno derives from the Germanic element 'brun' meaning 'brown'. It was popularized by Saint Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian order in the 11th century, and by several German dukes. The name has been common in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, and gained modern recognition through the singer Bruno Mars.
Where Bruno 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.
“Bruno” around the world
Where Bruno lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bru, Bruni, B
Variants: Bruno, Brünn, Brunone
Sibling names for Bruno
Names that share Bruno's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Bruno
Names whose popularity has moved with Bruno's over the last 50 years.
