She’s here! Brianna writes: I didn’t really see Brynn on the list the first time I read it, but my husband saw it and it was immediately his favorite. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and for helping me figure out to honor my dad’s memory with our sweet girl’s name!
Brianna writes:
I’m Brianna, named after my dad, Brian. He recently passed away, right before we found out we were expecting. I’m an only child, and feel like my little family is slipping away.
Growing up, I did not like being named for my dad. But now I understand more about how long it took for my parents to have a child, and I can understand their decision.
Having lost my dad, I feel like honoring his memory matters. But any name that’s for him will be very close to my name, too, and I have mixed feelings about that.
For a boy, we’ve settled on Bryce. My husband likes it, and I think it’s close enough to Brian that it carries on his memory without sounding too much like my name.
For a girl, I’m really not sure. I’ve seen Briony/Bryony suggested, but it seems like maybe it’s too Briany-y, if that makes sense.
Are there other names for a girl that can honor a Brian that aren’t too similar to my name?
Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
Abby replies:
Congratulations on your new baby, and I’m so sorry for loss of your dad.
A few things leap out at me:
Would you name your daughter Bryce? Bryce Dallas Howard says it’s okay. 62 girls were named Bryce in 2021 (the last year for which data is available), so it’s rare – but not unknown. Of course, 1414 boys were named Bryce, so it’s definitely the kind of name that could cause confusion.
I think Briony/Bryony works, and would’ve suggested it I’m sure. But since you’re not convinced, let’s put it aside.
Is there another way to honor your dad’s memory besides his first name? Middle name, nickname, something from this list? It sounds like you’re most focused on another form of Brian, and that makes sense, but it’s not the only option.
But I do think there are some potential names to consider that are connected to Brian.
NAMES TO HONOR GRANDPA BRIAN
ANA, ANNA, ANNIE
The second syllable of Brian is, well, Ann. So any of the Anna names have potential, though maybe they’re too close to your name?
AUBREY
The sounds might be a little bit of a stretch, but I think Aubrey feels connected to Brian, if only through that strong BR sound.
BREE
As with Anna, we’re taking just part of Brian … but maybe duplicating too much of Brianna?
BRIAR
A very current nature name, Briar is visually close to Brian, but still feels different.
BRIELLE
Generally considered a short form of Gabrielle that now stands on its own, Brielle also could easily serve as a feminine form of Brian.
BRYNN
One theory for Brian’s origins connects it to the old Irish word for hill; Brynn, likewise, means hill in Welsh. Plus, smoosh together Brian, and it’s easy enough to arrive at Brynn.
RHIANNON
There’s no connection between Brian and Rhiannon, but the shared sounds and rhythm feel like a link.
SABRINA
Brina is an anagram of Brian, but it’s not quite a given name. Sabrina, though, is a great fits-in/stands-out kind of choice.
Overall, my favorite is Briar. It’s not too similar to Brianna, but it’s still close to Brian. But it’s also the kind of name we’d expect to hear on a girl born in 2023, making it an honor name and also a current choice. That’s the best of both worlds.
Bryce and Briar seem like perfect choices for you to honor your Dad <3
So sorry for your loss!
I think Bryce works wonderfully for either a boy or a girl as Abby suggested.
I love the suggestion of Briar as well but like you i wouldn’t want too much Brian with your name.
Like others have suggested i would look at his middle name, your maiden name (his last – i’m assuming), or anything about him that was special…i.e. his favorite color, a memory of something you did together, place where he’s from, etc.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think it’s beautiful that you’ve grown to appreciate your name over time and want to continue the legacy of your dad’s name.
I agree that Bryce would work well for a son or daughter. There are lots of other great suggestions here—I especially like Brielle.
What about Aubrian or its variants Aubriana or Aubrianna? It’s a rare name, but it would continue the tradition of extending your dad’s name to create a new one.
Bryant is another possibility (for a son or daughter).
Brilliant could also work as a bold first name or middle name.
Bridget
Abri
Ryan
Bianca
Blythe
Love Sabrina as well!
My first thought was Brielle — it’s such a beautiful name! There are several nickname possibilities too: Brie, Bree, Belle, Elle, Ellie, Rielle.
I also like:
Aubrey
Brynn
Rhian — pronounced REE-an, or you could go with Rhiannon and use Rhian as a nickname.
I think Bryce is an excellent choice for a boy!
What about Robin? Switch the “a” to an “o” and you have all the right letters from Brian.
And the symbolism of a robin works too… “For centuries, this tiny bird has been the symbol of good luck, happiness, rebirth – and sometimes even as a messenger for lost, loved ones.”
Or what about playing with your Dad’s middle name?
Best of luck and sorry for your loss.
My initial thought was Sabrina but after reading the response, I LOVE Briar. It sounds so different but if you are writing Briar and pull the pen down just a little further at the end… you have Brian exactly!
My son’s middle name is Beau but when he was a baby my daughter insisted it was Bear so we would add it in there for fun. I never realized how similar Bear and Beau actually are until one day when I wrote it out! It was a fun surprise ❤️
Have fun coming up with a name! And don’t forget there are many ways you can honor your dad without a name that is similar to his. Maybe his favorite car was a Mustang and you can name her Sally Or his favorite color was red and you can use the name Scarlet!
I’m no help – I like all of Abby’s suggestions. It’s a matter of your personal taste and what sounds good with the surname.
Briar was my first and only thought. Bryony is a lovely name also! I think you have hood choices.
Does it help if you go “what would an honor name for Brianna be?”
I don’t think Briony or Bryony is too similar to Brianna. With a long I the sounds are quite different. I might also suggest Brienne, Ryan or Ryanne.