Brenna is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Celtic word " Brennan," which means "little raven." This name has a rich history and cultural significance in Ireland.
The name Brenna was first used by an early High King of Ireland named Brian Boru, who lived in the 10th century. He had two sons named Brian Boruma and Broen Boru, with the latter's name being derived from the word "bren" meaning raven. Over time, the name evolved into Brenna, which became popular among Irish families as a given name for girls.
Brenna was also associated with the ancient Celtic goddess of fire and poetry, Brigid. According to legend, Brigid had two sisters named Brenna and Dairine, who were also associated with different aspects of nature and mythology. This connection may have contributed to the popularity of the name Brenna among Irish families with strong ties to their cultural heritage.
In modern times, Brenna has become a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. While it is still relatively uncommon compared to more traditional Irish names like Aoife or Siobhan, Brenna has gained traction in recent years as a distinct and beautiful option for girls.
Overall, the name Brenna carries with it a sense of history and cultural significance that makes it appealing to those who appreciate the beauty and meaning behind ancient Celtic names. Its unique sound and derivation from the word "raven" also give it an intriguing and mysterious quality that sets it apart from other Irish girl names.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Brenna has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States.
From 1946 to 1958, there were fewer than 25 births each year with the name Brenna. However, starting from 1959, we see a steady rise in the number of babies named Brenna. In 1965, there were 60 births, and this number continued to increase, reaching 300 in 1980.
The peak popularity of the name Brenna was reached between 1994 and 2003. During these years, there were over 1000 births each year with the name Brenna, with a high point of 1212 births in 1995.
After 2003, the popularity of the name Brenna began to decline. From 2004 onwards, the number of babies named Brenna dropped below 1000 each year. In 2022, there were only 92 births with the name Brenna.
In total, between 1946 and 2023, there have been 29,170 babies born in the United States named Brenna. Despite the recent decline in popularity, Brenna remains a widely used name.