Holding steady.
Popularity of Obrien since 1921
Babies named Obrien per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 66 |
| 1990s | 62 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 21 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Obrien is a rare given name derived from the Irish surname O'Brien, which itself comes from the Gaelic Ó Briain meaning 'descendant of Brian.' The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1921 and reached its peak usage in 1991. Since then, its use has remained stable but low, with no recorded appearance in the top 1000 names in any year. The name is almost exclusively used for boys and is not currently ranked, reflecting its status as an uncommon choice.
Obrien is the anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Briain, meaning 'descendant of Brian'. The personal name Brian is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Old Celtic word *brigantī (high, noble) or brígh (strength). The O'Brien dynasty was one of the most powerful royal families in medieval Ireland, tracing descent from Brian Boru, a 10th-century High King of Ireland. The surname has been used as a given name in modern times, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brie, O.B., Bri
Sibling names for Obrien
Names that share Obrien's style, for a brother or sister.
