Bear
Boy name · 54 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Bear: 54 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 10 births in 2020.
An English word name drawn directly from the large, powerful mammal, Bear has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century, often as a nickname for Bernard (meaning "strong as a bear") or as a standalone choice. The most famous modern bearer is the British adventurer and television presenter Bear Grylls, whose real surname is actually Grylls – he acquired the nickname during his military service. In American sports, legendary college football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant made the name iconic. Unlike many animal names, Bear carries no specific place associations, though the constellation Ursa Major (Latin for "greater bear") shares the same symbolic root. Once rare, Bear has risen in popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries, reflecting a broader trend toward bold, nature-inspired names.
Boy 8 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 202010 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #4417 babies
- Total births
- 54since 2018
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 40%vs prior 5y