Bruce
Gender: Boy
Meaning: From the brushwood thicket, willowlands
Origin: Norman French/Scottish
Popularity: Ranked #536 in 2025 with 558 babies born.
History: Bruce is a Scottish surname derived from the Norman place name Bruis. It was made famous by Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, who secured Scottish independence in the 14th century. It was widely popular in the 20th century in English-speaking countries.
Famous people named Bruce: Bruce Lee (martial artist), Bruce Willis (actor), Bruce Springsteen (musician)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Bruce? About 1 in 5,965 babies born in 2025 were named Bruce, or roughly 1.5 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Bruce
What does the name Bruce mean?
Bruce means “From the brushwood thicket, willowlands” from Norman French/Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Bruce?
Bruce has Norman French/Scottish origin. The traditional meaning is “From the brushwood thicket, willowlands”.
How popular is Bruce?
Bruce ranked #536 in 2025 — given to 558 babies that year.
When was Bruce most popular?
Bruce peaked in 1956 with 14,660 babies registered that year.
Is Bruce a boy or girl name?
Bruce is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Bruces in registered births are male.
Is the name Bruce rising or falling in popularity?
Bruce has fallen 38 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #498 in 2020 to #536 in 2025.
How long has Bruce been recorded?
Bruce appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.