Brendan

“prince.”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#886US 2023

262Births / yr

→Stable

90.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 196800

How to pronounce Brendan

BREND·un

/ˈbrɛnd.ən/ · stress on BREND · 2 syllables

“prince.”

English origin · Unisex name

What does Brendan mean and where does it come from?

While traditionally a male name, Brendan has been used as a female name in recent years. It originates from the Gaelic name Bréanainn, which is derived from the term 'bréanainn' meaning 'prince.' The name is associated with St. Brendan, a 6th-century Irish monk known for his legendary sea voyages. B

Cultural significance

Brendan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #4685 in 1987 — currently #886 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Brendan?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Brendan?

Brendan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Brendan Grace

How popular is Brendan right now?

Holding steady — currently #886 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#886 · Top 0.65%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#886	262	▼ down 5 · -3% births
2022	#881	269	▼ down 114 · -18% births
2021	#767	327	▲ up 12327 · +4571% births
2005	#13094	7	▼ down 3868 · -30% births
2000	#9226	10	▼ down 1645 · -9% births
1995	#7581	11	▲ up 1005 · +22% births
1990	#8586	9	▼ down 2491 · -18% births
1985	#6095	11	▼ down 107
1980	#5988	11	▲ up 2141 · +83% births
1975	#8129	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Brendan

Best Year2021Rank #767

Peak Count327

Average Rank#6123

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202310 years

The story of Brendan

Brendan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. A total of 90,839 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8129 in 1975 to #886 in 2023. Brendan is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Brendan in 1987:

Jessica Ashley Amanda Jennifer Sarah

Brendan by decade

Brendan peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	85
1920s	166
1930s	289
1940s	445
1950s	983
1960s	3,444
1970s	6,986
1980s	14,703
1990s ★	28,617
2000s	25,892
2010s	8,887
2020s	342

What are good nicknames for Brendan?

Common

BreBrieBryEndan

What names sound and feel like Brendan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Brendan also consider these

Breydan

American · Broad valley

Brenndan

Ireland · Irish

Brentan

American · Variant of Brandon,

Brandan

Ireland · Prince; descendant of

Trendan

American · English

Bryndan

Wales · descendant of Brân

Brydan

English · hill, ascent

Neydan

English · A meaningful name

How is Brendan written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Brendan

What does the name Brendan mean?

Brendan means "Irish" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Brendan?

Brendan is currently ranked #886 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Brendan?

Brendan originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Brendan?

Brendan is a two-syllable name pronounced B R EH1 N D AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Brendan a common or rare name?

Brendan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.