What does Brooklyn mean and where does it come from?
The name Brooklyn originated as a toponym, coming from the Dutch 'Breukelen' which referred to a town in the Netherlands and means 'broken land'. The name gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, especially in the United States, reflecting a socio-cultural trend of naming children
Cultural significance
Brooklyn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of broken land, or marshland.
Peak popularity
Reached #21 in 2011 — currently #84 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Brooklyn?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Brooklyn?
Brooklyn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Brooklyn Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Brooklyn Rose
Floral · soft ending
Brooklyn Mae
Sweet · timeless
Brooklyn Claire
French influence · crisp
Brooklyn Jane
Literary · strong
Brooklyn Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Brooklyn right now?
Declining — down 12 spots — currently #84 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #84 | 2,859 | ▼ down 12 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #72 | 3,211 | ▼ down 9 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #63 | 3,540 | ▼ down 9 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #54 | 3,989 | ▼ down 23 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #31 | 6,311 | ▲ up 3 · +3% births |
| 2010 | #34 | 6,122 | ▲ up 44 · +48% births |
| 2005 | #78 | 4,129 | ▲ up 99 · +126% births |
| 2000 | #177 | 1,830 | ▲ up 165 · +136% births |
| 1995 | #342 | 774 | ▲ up 572 · +269% births |
| 1990 | #914 | 210 | ▲ up 704 · +184% births |
| 1985 | #1618 | 74 | ▲ up 392 · +40% births |
| 1980 | #2010 | 53 | ▲ up 3122 · +342% births |
| 1975 | #5132 | 12 | — |
The story of Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. Its peak popularity was #21 in 2011. More than 112,081 babies have been named Brooklyn since 1972. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5132 in 1975 to #84 in 2023. Brooklyn is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Brooklyn in 2011:
Brooklyn by decade
Brooklyn peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 145 | |
| 1980s | 927 | |
| 1990s | 8,625 | |
| 2000s | 37,482 | |
| 2010s ★ | 60,854 | |
| 2020s | 4,048 | |
What are good nicknames for Brooklyn?
What names sound and feel like Brooklyn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Brooklyn also consider these
How is Brooklyn written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Brooklyn
What does the name Brooklyn mean?
Brooklyn means "broken land, or marshland" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is currently ranked #84 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Brooklyn?
Brooklyn originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is a two-syllable name pronounced B R UH1 K L AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Brooklyn more of a girl or boy name?
Brooklyn is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.