"prince, chieftain"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Irish
Brendan
Pronunciation: [ br-EHND-uhn ]
Does Brendan flow with your last name?
An Irish explorer name with centuries of courage
Irish
American
English
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Classic
Strong
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Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"brave, bold"
Origin: Old Welsh
Language: Welsh
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Brendan
Brendan derives from the Irish Breandán, likely from the Old Welsh Breenhin meaning prince, or possibly from the Celtic bren meaning prince or chieftain. The name is most famously associated with Saint Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk who, according to legend, sailed to the Americas nearly 1,000 years before Columbus.
Brendan was a top-100 US name throughout the 1980s and 1990s, boosted by the popularity of actor Brendan Fraser and Irish cultural influence in America. It has since declined as newer names took hold.
In Ireland, Brendan is a deeply revered name due to Saint Brendan the Navigator, patron of sailors. The saint's legendary voyage inspired centuries of European exploration.
Historical Record
Brendan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 90,629 babies have been named Brendan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Brendan is past its peak , currently ranked #1,013 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Brendan the Navigator is said to have sailed to North America in the 6th century AD
- Brendan is the patron saint of sailors and travelers in Irish tradition
Brendan in Other Languages
Irish
Breandán
Latin
Brendanus
French
Brendan
Spanish
Brendán
Portuguese
Brendan
Popularity Over Time
#1,013
Current Rank
Peaked 1999
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Brendan
B
Brendan Fraser
Actor
1968
Canadian-American actor who won an Academy Award for The Whale (2022)
B
Brendan Gleeson
Actor
1955
Irish actor known for In Bruges and the Harry Potter series
S
Saint Brendan the Navigator
Religious
484
6th-century Irish monk and explorer, patron saint of sailors
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,013
- Total SSA Count
- 221
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bren
Brenny
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Brendan
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Brendan is also used as a girl name, ranked #16882.
View Brendan as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brendan
What does the name Brendan mean?
"prince, chieftain" (from Celtic). "brave, bold" (from Old Welsh). Brendan derives from the Irish Breandán, likely from the Old Welsh Breenhin meaning prince, or possibly from the Celtic bren meaning prince or chieftain. The name is most famously associated with Saint Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk who, according to legend, sailed to the Americas nearly 1,000 years before Columbus.
What is the origin of the name Brendan?
Brendan has Celtic, Old Welsh, Irish, American, English, and Australian origins. In Celtic, it means "prince, chieftain". In Old Welsh, it means "brave, bold".
Is Brendan a boy or girl name?
Brendan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1013. As a girl name, it is ranked #16882. Brendan is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Brendan?
Brendan is pronounced br-EHND-uhn.
How popular is the name Brendan?
Brendan is currently ranked #1013 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Brendan?
Common nicknames for Brendan include Bren and Brenny.
What are good middle names for Brendan?
Popular middle name pairings include Brendan James, Brendan Patrick, Brendan Michael, Brendan Thomas, Brendan John, Brendan Paul, and Brendan Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Brendan?
Names that pair well with Brendan as siblings include Siobhan, Declan, Caitlin, Connor, Fiona, and Colm.
How many syllables does Brendan have?
Brendan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Brendan a common or rare name?
Brendan is an uncommon name, ranked #1013 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Brendan?
About the Name Brendan
Brendan is a boy name with Irish, American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "prince, chieftain" in Celtic .
Is Brendan a boy or girl name? Brendan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,013 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #16,882. Brendan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Brendan is currently ranked #1,013 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Brendan has 2 syllables and is pronounced br-EHND-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Brendan include Bren and Brenny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Brendan include Brennan, Brent, Brentley, Brenton, Brenden . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis