The nameBrian
Brian is a boy's name of Irish origin, often read as "noble" or "strong". The name of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, it was a top 10 name in the United States.
- Boy's name
- Irish
Meaning
Brian comes from an Old Celtic word perhaps meaning "high, noble" or "strong". Its exact meaning is discussed.
Origin
Irish. Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, defeated the Vikings at the battle of Clontarf in 1014.
History
Brian spread from Ireland and entered the American top 10 in 1967, reaching eighth place. Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) is a famous use of the name.
Did you know?
- Brian May, Queen's guitarist, completed a PhD in astrophysics in 2007.
- Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
Famous people named Brian
- Brian Boru, High King of Ireland
- Brian May, guitarist
- Brian Wilson, musician
- Brian Cox, physicist
Popularity of the name Brian
Brian in the United States
Brian was most popular in the United States in the 1970s, with 324,277 births over the decade, 28% of all recorded babies named Brian. Its rise began around 1949, and it peaked in 1972. Half of all babies named Brian in the United States were born before 1975, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,158 births a year on average, against 1,818 in the five years before.
Brian in the United Kingdom
Brian was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 1,477 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Brian. Half of all babies named Brian in the United Kingdom were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 89 births a year.
Brian in Ireland
Brian in France
Brian in Belgium
Brian in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Brian
Names from the same generation as Brian, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Brian? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Brian with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Brian side by side with the name of your choice.
Brian in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brian mean?
Brian comes from an Old Celtic word perhaps meaning "high, noble" or "strong". Its exact meaning is discussed.
What is the origin of the name Brian?
Irish. Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, defeated the Vikings at the battle of Clontarf in 1014.
Is Brian a girl's or a boy's name?
Brian is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Brian?
In 2024, Brian was the 301st most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,111 births.
What are the variants of the name Brian?
Variants and related names of Brian include Brayan, Brianna and Bryan.
What are good sibling names for Brian?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Kelly, Michelle, Kayla and Jasmine for a sister, Kevin, Tyler, Brandon and Brendan for a brother.
Who are famous people named Brian?
Brian Boru, High King of Ireland; Brian May, guitarist; Brian Wilson, musician; Brian Cox, physicist.