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Briana

Girl name · 8 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Briana: 8 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2021.

A graceful feminine form of Brian, Briana ultimately derives from the Old Celtic *brig-o-*, meaning "high" or "noble," and shares its root with the Gaelic *brìgh* (strength, power). It rose to prominence in English-speaking countries during the 1970s alongside similar elaborations like Brianna. The name gained a touch of Hollywood glamour through American actress Briana Evigan, best known for the *Step Up* film franchise. In literature, the sweet-natured Briana appears in the classic 16th-century poem *The Faerie Queene* by Edmund Spenser. While less common than its Irish Gaelic counterpart Bríghid (Bridget), Briana has a distinctly modern, lyrical feel. In Scotland, the name became increasingly popular from the 1990s onward, offering a softer yet equally strong alternative to the traditional Brianna spelling.

Girl 2 of 52 years

Peak year
20215 babies
Latest (2021)
#5585 babies
Total births
8since 2008
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2021 · 5
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).