Brennan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Breanainn," which means "little bright one." It is believed to have come from an old personal name that was popular among the ancient Celts. The name Brennan is associated with the O'Briens, a prominent Irish family who were known as the Kings of Thomond. According to legend, the O'Briens traced their lineage back to Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland in the 11th century.
The name Brennan has been used for both males and females throughout history, although it is more commonly associated with men. In recent years, however, it has gained popularity as a female name as well. Some notable individuals who have borne the name Brennan include Brennan Manning, an American author and motivational speaker, and Brennan Huff, a fictional character played by Ryan Reynolds in the 2004 comedy film "Just Friends."
Despite its Irish origins, the name Brennan has been adopted by people of various backgrounds and nationalities around the world. It is a strong, distinctive name that carries with it a sense of history and tradition. Whether you are Irish or not, choosing the name Brennan for your child is a great way to honor Ireland's rich cultural heritage while giving them a unique and memorable name to carry through life.
The name Brennan has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1973 and 2023, there were a total of 2,200 births registered with the name Brennan.
The name's most popular decade was the 1990s, with 650 births recorded between 1990 and 1999. The years 1994 and 1998 were the peak years for the name during this period, with 76 and 65 births respectively.
The trend continued into the early 2000s, but began to decline afterwards. The years 2007 and 2010 saw the highest number of Brennan births in the 2000s, with 100 and 87 births each.
However, since then, there has been a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Brennan. From 2015 onwards, the number of annual births has consistently been below 40, reaching an all-time low of 16 births in 2023.
Despite this recent decline, it is important to note that Brennan remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Its popularity has fluctuated over time, but it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their child.