Briony

Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Melodic and bright, it was once a Top 400 name in the UK back in the 90s but has since fallen out of favor, as has Bryony.

The name of a vine once used for medicinal purposes, Briony is derived from the Greek bryo meaning "to swell, sprout, grow", likely in reference to the plants ability to climb. As such, Briony isn't related to the similar sounding Brian, though it could nevertheless make an honor name for one.

A literary choice, Briony appears in Ian McEwan's popular novel, Atonement, in which the young, imaginative Briony Tallis sets the plot in motion. In the screen adaptation, she was played by Saoirse Ronan, for which she received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.

In the most recent stats, no girls were called Briony (or Bryony) in the US, while in the UK, just over 30 babies were given the names collectively. With potential nicknames Bonny, Brie, or Bee, Briony could make an unexpected yet familiar option.

Pronounced BREE-uh-nee.

As of October 2026, Briony ranked #15342 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #5958 in 1980, Nameberry popularity #625.