Brennan

“Descendant of Braonán; 'Descendant of the sad one'.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 94% boys♀ 6% girls

#1023US 2023

213Births / yr

↓Falling

34.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 196500

How to pronounce Brennan

BREN·AN

/ˈbrɛn.ˈæn/ · stress on BREN · 2 syllables

“Descendant of Braonán; 'Descendant of the sad one'.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

What does Brennan mean and where does it come from?

Brennan is traditionally a male name in Ireland but has emerged as a unisex name in contemporary contexts, especially in the U.S. It is derived from the Gaelic surname 'Braonán', which can mean 'descendant of Braon' or 'the sad one'. This name has been used since medieval Ireland and is associated w

Cultural significance

Brennan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of braonán; 'descendant of the sad one'..

Peak popularity

Reached #1869 in 1994 — currently #1023 in the US.

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How else can you spell Brennan?

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

What middle names flow best with Brennan?

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

Brennan Grace

How popular is Brennan right now?

Declining — down 28 spots — currently #1023 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#1023 · Top 0.75%

1965

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1023	213	▼ down 28 · -5% births
2022	#995	224	▼ down 123 · -15% births
2021	#872	265	▲ up 3371 · +728% births
2020	#4243	32	▼ down 476 · -20% births
2015	#3767	40	▼ down 1423 · -51% births
2010	#2344	81	▲ up 928 · +72% births
2005	#3272	47	▼ down 49 · +12% births
2000	#3223	42	▼ down 1061 · -32% births
1995	#2162	62	▲ up 652 · +51% births
1990	#2814	41	▲ up 1204 · +105% births
1985	#4018	20	▼ down 494 · -13% births
1980	#3524	23	▲ up 1726 · +109% births
1975	#5250	11	▲ up 1540 · +120% births
1965	#6790	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Brennan

Best Year2021Rank #872

Peak Count265

Average Rank#3164

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1965 - 202314 years

The story of Brennan

Brennan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. A total of 34,236 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6790 in 1965 to #1023 in 2023. Brennan is used for both genders: 6% female and 94% male.

Names that peaked alongside Brennan in 1994:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

Brennan by decade

Brennan peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1940s	6
1950s	80
1960s	399
1970s	1,010
1980s	2,973
1990s	8,873
2000s ★	12,389
2010s	8,157
2020s	344

What are good nicknames for Brennan?

Common

BreBrieBryEnnan

What names sound and feel like Brennan?

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

Brenan

Ireland · Descendant of Braonán

Ireland · Descendant of Dreánán

Rennan

Ireland · descendant of Rónán

Shennan

Ireland · From the river

Trennan

English · From the town

Grennan

Greek · A Greek name

How is Brennan written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Brennan

What does the name Brennan mean?

Brennan means "Descendant of Braonán; 'Descendant of the sad one'." — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Brennan?

Brennan is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Brennan?

Brennan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Brennan?

Brennan is a two-syllable name pronounced B R EH1 N AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Brennan a common or rare name?

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