Bruce Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bruce come from? What does the surname Bruce mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bruce and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Brousse, Brewis
Surname Bruce Origin: What does the last name Bruce mean?
The surname Bruce is of British and French origin, with roots in Scotland and Normandy. It is associated with Clan Bruce in Scotland and may also stem from the French place names Briouze, Brix, or Bruz. The name has a long history dating back to the early 11th century, with notable individuals bearing the surname across various fields such as business, politics, and the arts.
YourRoots data indicates that the Bruce surname first appeared in Scottish records in the early 11th century. Over time, it spread globally, with a notable presence in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the name Bruce remains prominent in the United States and can also be found in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Bruce Last Name History: Where did the last name Bruce come from?
Origin of Bruce Surname: Where does the last name Bruce originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Bruce first appeared in records from Scotland in the United Kingdom around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Bruce” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Bruce: What does the Bruce surname history look like in the early days?
The “Bruce” surname remained closely associated with Scotland in the United Kingdom from the 11th through the 16th century. It is during the 17th century that the surname starts to show a notable presence in the United States. This suggests that the surname Bruce began to spread globally around this time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bruce surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Bruce surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the “Bruce” surname remains prominent in the United States, but it can also be found in other regions worldwide, including Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom.
Explore Bruce last name heritage and Bruce surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Bruce Surame?
Shelbie Bruce
Shelbie Carole Bruce (born Nov 12, 1992) is a former American actress known for her lead role in the 2004 film Spanglish. She also appeared in Nickelodeon shows and had her own jewelry line with Claire's Boutique.
William Speirs Bruce
William Speirs Bruce (1 Aug 1867 - 28 Oct 1921) was a British naturalist, polar scientist, and oceanographer. He led the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, establishing the first permanent weather station in Antarctica. Despite his achievements, his lack of public relations skills hindered further exploration ventures.
Blanche Bruce
Blanche Kelso Bruce (March 1, 1841 - March 17, 1898) was the first African-American senator to serve a full term in the United States Senate. Born into slavery, he made history as a Republican politician and Recorder of Deeds in Washington D.C. His legacy includes the Blanche K. Bruce House, a National Historic Landmark.
Hilda Margaret Bruce
Hilda Margaret Bruce (5 Apr 1903 - 2 Nov 1974) was a British zoologist known for discovering the Bruce effect in rodent species. Her work on fertility control earned her the Oliver Bird Medal. She researched at the National Institute for Medical Research and published groundbreaking studies on animal behavior and vitamin D.
Charles Andrew Bruce
Charles Andrew Bruce (1768–1810) briefly served as Governor of Prince of Wales Island (now Penang) until his death. He was part of the prominent Bruce family and oversaw the island's affairs for a short period in the early 19th century.
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