Bruce

Bruce is both a surname and a given name. Its surname form derives from the Scottish noble family Bruce, originally from the Norman-French personal name de Brus, and associated with a clan that rose to prominence in medieval Scotland. The most famous early bearer is Robert the Bruce, who reigned as King of Scotland in the early 14th century and became a symbol of Scottish independence.

As a given name, Bruce began to be used in English-speaking regions after the medieval period and grew in popularity during the 19th and 20th centuries, partly through cultural influence and notable figures bearing the surname. In modern times, several entertainers, athletes, and public figures are named Bruce, contributing to its continued use.

Notable real people named Bruce include Bruce Springsteen, American singer-songwriter; Bruce Willis, American actor; Bruce Lee, Chinese-American martial artist and actor; Bruce Dickinson, English musician and pilot; Bruce Hornsby, American pianist and singer; Bruce Dern, American actor; Bruce Boxleitner, American actor and writer; Bruce Jenner, American Olympic decathlete and television personality who later transitioned to Caitlyn Jenner.

In fiction, Bruce is the given name of two well-known superheroes: Bruce Wayne, the alter ego of Batman; and Bruce Banner, the alter ego of the Hulk. The name also appears in various other works of literature and media as a common male given name.