Bruno

Traditionally associated with the Germanic root meaning ‘brown’.

Bruno is a classic masculine name used across many European languages, with especially strong recognition in places where Germanic and Latin-language traditions overlap. It tends to read as straightforward and sturdy in spelling: five letters, two clear syllables, and a familiar -o ending that appears in multiple naming traditions. From an etymology standpoint, Bruno is often traced to a Germanic root *brun* meaning “brown,” sometimes interpreted in a descriptive sense (for example, “brown-haired”). As with many medieval personal names, it spread widely and became established across regions, which is why you’ll see it treated as a local, everyday name in several countries even though the underlying root is Germanic. Pronunciation in English is commonly BROO-noh. A practical tip is that some languages keep the final vowel shorter (BROO-no), so if you’re introducing yourself internationally, saying it once at a natural pace usually prevents people from over-emphasizing the final sound.

Etymology: Often traced to a Germanic root *brun* meaning ‘brown’ (and by extension sometimes ‘brown-haired’). The name spread widely across Europe through medieval usage.