Briar
Briar is a unisex name of English origin meaning “thorny shrub, bramble.” It ranked #400 in the United States in 2025. From the Old English 'brær' or 'briar,' a thorny plant including roses and brambles.
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how do you pronounce Briar?
BRY-er
where does the name Briar come from?
A transferred use of the English word for a thorny shrub.
In fairy tale tradition, Sleeping Beauty's castle is surrounded by a magical briar thicket. The name has a wild, romantic quality that has made it popular in contemporary naming.
how popular is this name?
Briar has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 11 years since 2015. It peaked at #400 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #400 |
| 2024 | #522 |
| 2023 | #549 |
| 2022 | #534 |
| 2021 | #516 |
| 2020 | #567 |
| 2019 | #578 |
| 2018 | #687 |
| 2017 | #722 |
| 2016 | #801 |
| 2015 | #835 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Briar fell outside the top 1,000.
what names are similar to Briar?
what names go well with Briar?
Sibling names that share Briar's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Briar
What does the name Briar mean?
Briar means “thorny shrub, bramble”.
What is the origin of the name Briar?
Briar comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Briar?
Briar ranked #400 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Briar a boy or girl name?
Briar is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Briar?
Briar is pronounced BRY-er, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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