Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Bruno
BoyGermanic, Italian· “brown”
- Meaning
- brown
- Origin
- Germanic, Italian
- Pronunciation
- BROO-noh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #740
- US babies 2025
- 351
- Best rank
- #259 (1915)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Bruno
Bruno is a Germanic and Italian name that means “brown”.
Bruno comes from the Germanic word brun, meaning "brown," which may have described armor, hair or even a bear. It was used by medieval German nobility and by several saints, including Saint Bruno of Cologne, who founded the Carthusian order of monks. Bruno is used today in German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and French, and in English-speaking countries it has become fashionable again thanks to its friendly, sturdy sound and the singer Bruno Mars. The name feels warm and strong.
Popularity over time
Bruno has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 119 different years. Its best national rank was #259 in 1915, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 448 were named Bruno. In 2025, 351 babies were named Bruno, and it ranked #740 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #341 in 1920, #806 in 1950, #1,133 in 1980, #967 in 2000, #756 in 2010, and #740 in 2025. Of the 18,875 US boys named Bruno since records began, 18% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 2,340 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Houston, Zeke, Chaim, Axton, and Mac.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Bruno ranked highest in Florida, Nevada, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #414 | 47 |
| Nevada | #522 | 5 |
| Kentucky | #530 | 8 |
| Arizona | #564 | 12 |
| California | #565 | 53 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Bruno is usually pronounced BROO-noh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-no”.
Middle names for Bruno
A few middle names that flow with Bruno: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Bruno
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Lists that include Bruno
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bruno mean?
Bruno is a Germanic and Italian name that means “brown”.
What is the origin of the name Bruno?
Bruno has Germanic, Italian, and German roots. Bruno comes from the Germanic word brun, meaning "brown," which may have described armor, hair or even a bear.
Is Bruno a popular name?
Yes. Bruno ranked #740 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Bruno a boy or girl name?
Bruno is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Bruno?
Bruno is usually pronounced BROO-noh. 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