Declining since 1998, #1,097 for boys today.
Popularity of Brendan since 1912
Babies named Brendan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 85 |
| 1920s | 165 |
| 1930s | 289 |
| 1940s | 444 |
| 1950s | 984 |
| 1960s | 3,437 |
| 1970s | 6,930 |
| 1980s | 14,598 |
| 1990s | 28,521 |
| 2000s | 25,836 |
| 2010s | 8,908 |
| 2020s | 1,619 |
Meaning & origin
Brendan is a classic Irish name that has seen enduring use in the United States, having been recorded since 1912. It reached its highest popularity in 1999, when it peaked in rank. Since 1998, its trajectory has been falling, yet it remains a familiar choice, especially in states like Connecticut, Illinois, and Virginia. While the name is not as common as it once was, it still appears with a frequency of 1 in 8759 newborns in 2025. Brendan's long history and strong ties to Irish heritage make it a recognizable option for families seeking a name with cultural depth. Its medieval associations with Saint Brendan the Navigator provide a sense of adventure and tradition.
Brendan is an Anglicized form of the Old Irish name Brénainn, derived from 'brén' meaning 'prince' or 'little raven'. It is the name of the 6th-century Saint Brendan the Navigator, a legendary Irish monk who purportedly sailed across the Atlantic. The name has been used in Ireland for centuries and gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
Where Brendan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Brendan” around the world
Where Brendan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bren, Brendy
Sibling names for Brendan
Names that share Brendan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Bridget, Catherine, Kiera, Maeve, Siobhan, Ashlyn, Krista, Shana, Shanna, Taryn, Allana, Breeanna, Bridgett, Brienna, Bryanna, Cathleen, Catrina, Deidra, Eryn, Harleen, Kaitlin, Kayleen, Keely, Kierra, Reanna, Shalyn, Shannan, Shanon, Shayla, Wendi, Adreanna, Audrea, Barrie, Brieanna, Briona, Brionna, Brissa, Catlin, Chasidy, Coreen, Delaina, Diedra, Erinn, Kaeleigh, Karisa, Katelynne, Keren, Kerin, Kierstin, Kierstyn, Lauran, Marlaina, Ryanne, Shannah, Sharae, Shaunna, Shela, Shenna, Tarah, Tresa, Alainna, Bevin, Brandilyn, Brena, Bryonna, Carlye, Chavon, Chevonne, Chrissa, Christia, Danelly, Elesha, Jannel, Kayleena, Kealey, Kearra, Keary, Keilly, Kendrah, Kerissa, Kerriann, Kerrin, Kerstyn, Kiandra, Kierston, Kolleen, Korri, Krissa, Kurstin, Kyleen, Laren, Larinda, Marlenne, Meighan, Raeleen, Ragen, Rianne, Roanne, Searra, Shaela, Shaena, Shaleen, Shanea, Sheana, Shelagh, Shianna, Tarryn, Tenille, Terin, Terrina, Tyanne, Alannis, Allanna, Allannah, Ashleen, Breeanne, Brenae, Breunna, Brinna, Caitlynne, Caralynn, Carlea, Carrin, Cathlyn, Donnella, Dreanna, Falen, Genae, Jodelle, Kalynne, Karinne, Karlena, Karrin, Katelan, Katleen, Kaylina, Kearney, Kerilyn, Kerryn, Koleen, Kristol, Leiann, Lynnett, Meeghan, Shallon, Shavaughn, Shayanna, Shaynna, Taralynn, Teralyn, Brandelyn, Brehanna, Shaneil, Alantis, Allahna, Anedra, Arlenne, Audrena, Brandace, Branna, Breean, Brendia, Brendolyn, Breuna, Briane, Briannon, Caleen, Caran, Carleena, Cathlin, Deannah, Deidrea, Devony, Erynne, Farrin, Jillana, Jinelle, Kaitelyn, Karle, Kateleen, Katheen, Kebrina, Keirstan, Kellina, Kenndra, Kerianna, Kery, Kileen, Lorynn, Machel, Meaghen, Meggen, Merrisa, Shawneen, Shevonne, Shivon, Trissa
Brothers: Declan, Liam, Patrick, Sean, Kieran, Colin, Desmond, Devin, Ryan, Shaun, Danell, Davin, Dereck, Devan, Deven, Doyle, Dustan, Garren, Jarett, Jarod, Jestin, Kenton, Keven, Mykel, Shaine, Shon, Triston, Blane, Brandin, Brodrick, Carlin, Darris, Daulton, Garvin, Glendon, Jarren, Jasen, Kenney, Kenrick, Kervin, Kevan, Kollin, Lavaughn, Shain, Shan, Brannan, Collyn, Correy, Dallon, Damean, Damin, Degan, Dermot, Devone, Dillian, Dylen, Ferrel, Galvin, Garen, Garin, Garrin, Jamien, Keanan, Keevin, Keldon, Keldrick, Obrian, Seann, Shaughn, Shawne, Shean, Terren, Travin, Tyrelle, Zakkary, Branon, Brenon, Brevan, Brynden, Cevin, Chandon, Conlin, Dalin, Darelle, Gerrad, Jassen, Jerran, Kallin, Kandon, Keegen, Keelen, Kenden, Kerrick, Kerron, Kevyn, Seanpatrick, Seanpaul, Trendon, Bradrick, Desman, Ryun, Shanen, Teren, Brandol, Bryne, Coyle, Deavin, Deran, Dorin, Dorrance, Dowell, Garek, Jedrick, Karell, Keanen, Keddrick, Kedron, Keland, Kendriel, Kenzel, Korrey, Quindon, Terel, Zerrick
Names like Brendan
Names whose popularity has moved with Brendan's over the last 50 years.
