Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Brea
GirlSpanish, Irish· “tar in Spanish; or pet form of Breanna”
- Meaning
- tar in Spanish; or pet form of Breanna
- Origin
- Spanish, Irish
- Pronunciation
- BRAY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #3,073
- US babies 2025
- 53
- Best rank
- #771 (1993)
- Peak year
- 1993
Meaning and origin of Brea
Brea is a Spanish and Irish name that is usually said to mean “tar in Spanish; or pet form of Breanna”.
Brea has two sources. In Spanish, brea means tar or pitch, and the California city of Brea takes its name from the tar pits in the area. It is also used as a short form of Breanna or Brianna, linked to the Irish Brian, often said to mean noble or high. The name has a light, airy sound and a modern feel. It fits alongside names like Bria and Breanna.
Other spellings with the same sound: Bree, Brie.
Popularity over time
Brea first appears in US Social Security records in 1972. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 3 different years, starting in 1992. Its best national rank was #771 in 1993, the same year it reached its highest count of 268 babies. In 2025, 53 babies were named Brea, and it ranked #3,073 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,495 in 1980, #1,292 in 2000, #1,548 in 2010, and #3,073 in 2025. Of the 5,739 US girls named Brea since records began, 31% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,392 babies. Since 2010, 1,560 more have been named Brea.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brianda, Juana, Breonna, Tiera, and Stormy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Brea ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2838 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Brea is usually pronounced BRAY-uh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with B and ends in “-ea”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Bree and Brie.
Middle names for Brea
A few middle names that flow with Brea: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Brea
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Lists that include Brea
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brea mean?
Brea is a Spanish and Irish name that is usually said to mean “tar in Spanish; or pet form of Breanna”.
What is the origin of the name Brea?
Brea has Spanish and Irish roots. Brea has two sources.
Is Brea a popular name?
Not especially. Brea ranked #3,073 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Brea a boy or girl name?
Brea is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Brea?
Brea is usually pronounced BRAY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings