Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Bruce

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      From the town of Bruis in France

      Variations 
      Brice, Brute, Bryce

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Bruce originates from the English language and is derived from the place name Bruis in France. It has its roots in the medieval period when people often took on names based on their place of origin. The name can be traced back to the noble families that held lands in Scotland and England during the Middle Ages. The Bruces, for instance, were a prominent Scottish family who became significant figures in history.

      Bruce is a name that holds historical significance, primarily due to Robert the Bruce, also known as Robert I of Scotland. He was a medieval Scottish king who played a crucial role in the Scottish War of Independence from England during the early 14th century. Robert the Bruce's heroic exploits and leadership made the name Bruce synonymous with Scottish independence and resilience.

      In modern times, the name Bruce continues to be used as both a first name and a name. It remains popular in English-speaking countries, especially in Scotland, where it carries a sense of national identity and pride. Beyond its historical associations, the name Bruce is also utilized in various fictional works, pop culture references, and as a given name for notable individuals in fields such as sports, arts, and politics.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Bruce.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Bruce.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Bruce.

      Bruce

      is the most common child name for Bruce.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1949 is when there were the most people born with the first name Bruce.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.