Billy vs Brendan

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Billy

Boy #1,051 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector"

Origin: Old German via Norman French

Cultural Roots

English American Australian Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,051
Total SSA Count
210
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Bill, Bills

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Billy →

Brendan

Boy #1,013 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"prince, chieftain"

Origin: Celtic

Cultural Roots

Irish American English Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,013
Total SSA Count
221
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Bren, Brenny

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Brendan →

Popularity Comparison

Billy Rank #1,051
Brendan Rank #1,013

Brendan is more popular, ranked #1013 vs #1051 for Billy.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Billy ___

  • Billy Ray
  • Billy Joe
  • Billy Dean
  • Billy James
  • Billy Lee
  • Billy Gene

Brendan ___

  • Brendan James
  • Brendan Patrick
  • Brendan Michael
  • Brendan Thomas
  • Brendan John
  • Brendan Paul

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Billy

Bobby Tommy Jimmy Johnny Betty

If you choose Brendan

Siobhan Declan Caitlin Connor Fiona

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Billy or Brendan more popular?

Brendan is more popular, ranked #1013 compared to Billy at #1051 in the United States.

What do Billy and Brendan mean?

Billy means "resolute protector" (Old German via Norman French origin). Brendan means "prince, chieftain" (Celtic origin).

Are Billy and Brendan boy or girl names?

Billy is primarily a boy name. Brendan is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Brendan vs Billy Billy vs Kiaan Billy vs Noa Billy vs Montgomery Billy vs Veer
← Full profile: Billy ← Full profile: Brendan Browse all baby names