Brian
Brian is an Irish name derived from the Old Celtic word 'brígh' meaning 'noble,' 'strong,' or 'high.' It was borne by Brian Boru, the legendary High King of Ireland who united the Irish clans in the 11th century.
Current Popularity
Popularity over time
Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 928. How this is calculated
Yearly values
- 2011: 3,250
- 2012: 2,820
- 2013: 2,645
- 2014: 2,536
- 2015: 2,218
- 2016: 1,984
- 2017: 1,778
- 2018: 1,631
- 2019: 1,479
- 2020: 1,261
- 2021: 1,188
- 2022: 1,180
- 2023: 1,049
- 2024: 1,116
- 2025: 979
- 2026 (projected): 928
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce across most English-speaking countries
- •Strong Irish heritage makes it meaningful for families with Celtic roots
- •Professional and friendly name that ages well from childhood through adulthood
- •Less common for babies today than in previous decades, giving it a classic rather than trendy feel
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
Brian Cox
Physicist and television presenter
Brian May
Guitarist for Queen and astrophysicist
Brian Cranston
Actor, known for Breaking Bad
Brian Wilson
Musician and Beach Boys co-founder
Statistics
1,173,735
Total births since 1880
1972
Peak year
Discovery
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