Declining since 1999, #2,884 for boys today.
Popularity of Brenden since 1956
Babies named Brenden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 28 |
| 1960s | 279 |
| 1970s | 573 |
| 1980s | 1,864 |
| 1990s | 7,930 |
| 2000s | 10,990 |
| 2010s | 3,592 |
| 2020s | 459 |
Meaning & origin
Brenden is a variant of the classic Irish name Brendan, sharing the same meaning of 'prince' or 'little raven.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1956 and saw a steady rise in popularity throughout the late 20th century, reaching its peak in 2000 at rank 328. Since 1999, its use has declined, falling to rank 2884 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 39,723 newborns receiving the name that year. The name is most popular in Illinois, one of its top states. While less common than the Brendan spelling, Brenden remains a recognizable, modernized take on a traditional favorite.
Brenden is a variant of the Irish name Brendan, from the Old Irish brén (prince) or bran (raven) combined with a diminutive suffix. The name is most famously associated with Saint Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish abbot who reportedly voyaged across the Atlantic. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in 2000 at rank 328.
Where Brenden 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bren, Brendy
Sibling names for Brenden
Names that share Brenden's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Brenden
Names whose popularity has moved with Brenden's over the last 50 years.
