Declining since 2009, #1,002 for boys today.
Popularity of Brennan since 1916
Babies named Brennan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 | 80 |
| 1960s | 0 | 394 |
| 1970s | 74 | 934 |
| 1980s | 254 | 2,719 |
| 1990s | 574 | 8,300 |
| 2000s | 649 | 11,745 |
| 2010s | 545 | 7,625 |
| 2020s | 133 | 1,450 |
Meaning & origin
Brennan first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1916, but its rise began later, peaking at rank 1002 in 2009 with a one-in-7558 frequency. Since 2009, its trajectory has been falling. The name is most common in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Iowa. Traditionally an Irish surname, Brennan entered the mainstream as a given name during the 20th century, appealing to parents seeking a strong, heritage-linked choice. Its gentle sound and straightforward spelling have kept it in consistent, if modest, use. As a surname-turned-first-name, it fits alongside other Irish imports like Declan and Ronan, offering a less common alternative to Brian or Brendan.
Brennan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Braonáin, meaning 'descendant of Braonán.' The personal name Braonán is derived from the Irish word 'braon,' meaning 'sorrow' or 'sadness,' though it may also be related to 'braon' in the sense of 'drop' or 'moisture.' Originally a surname, Brennan has been used as a given name since the early 20th century, gaining steady popularity in the United States, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Where Brennan 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: Ren, Bren
Sibling names for Brennan
Names that share Brennan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Cara, Nora, Teagan, Erin, Jordynn, Sheridan, Carrigan, Taegan, Tierney, Alyn, Banessa, Brenlee, Danessa, Delanee, Falyn, Farren, Karrigan, Korrine, Laryn, Lyndall, Melrose, Raeven, Rheagan, Teghan, Breena, Brenley, Brennah, Brenya, Brionne, Brittain, Darrah, Farryn, Karenna, Kyanne, Rynleigh, Sheanna, Tauni, Torryn, Devaney, Brean, Brenisha, Brenlyn, Brynnan, Deyna, Ferrin, Jilliam, Jorryn, Karigan, Keirston, Kenlyn, Larren, Lochlyn, Lynnon, Phallon, Tallyn, Viann
Brothers: Declan, Keegan, Ronan, Liam, Shane, Blake, Broderick, Callahan, Gannon, Shayne, Trenton, Adair, Courtland, Creighton, Devlin, Kedrick, Keilan, Kendrix, Thane, Torrance, Branton, Bren, Carrell, Chastin, Chevon, Corwyn, Daelin, Dalon, Deagan, Devlyn, Donnel, Kenric, Kessler, Keygan, Teron, Terrin, Trinton, Tyrrell, Bralyn, Brance, Breland, Caven, Gared, Jeryn, Kamon, Keagon, Keilon, Kellon, Keynan, Neiman, Raeden, Bowe, Breken, Donevan, Tameron, Tiron, Trelyn, Breckan, Brentyn, Breven, Calihan, Cardale, Chivas, Collan, Cullan, Deidrick, Drevin, Dylyn, Gresham, Jarris, Kallahan, Kelen, Kiegan, Kincade, Kollen, Merric, Quindell, Raevon, Tallan, Tanyon, Treyvin
Names like Brennan
Names whose popularity has moved with Brennan's over the last 50 years.
