Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Brennan

Brennan is a male name mainly used in the United States and was derived from an Irish surname, from the Gaelic O’Braonáin (descendent of Braonáin). Braonáin in turn originated from the nickname “Braon” which means ‘moisture, drop of water’ along with a diminutive suffix “áin” suggesting a more specific meaning: ‘teardrop, sorrow’. Brennan has been mainly a surname in Ireland (particularly in the County Kilkenny region) but was adopted as a given name in the United States in the 1960s.

All About the Baby Name – Brennan

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BRENNAN

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BRENNAN

The name Brennan first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1966. From that point forward, the name has mainly experienced upwards momentum. This is mainly due to the high interest in Irish sounding names as well as the growing trend using surnames for first names. Brennan definitely has an Irish sensibility, although it is not exactly the most masculine of sounding names. The Irish boy’s name Brendan (meaning ‘prince’) has a strong and therefore manlier resonance. Brennan is more gentle and easy-going – perhaps even wistful given its ‘teardrop’ meaning. It’s a lovely name and a fine choice for any lucky little boy – but we might suggest balancing it with a happier middle name like Asher (which, incidentally, comes from a Hebrew word meaning just that – happy!).

Quick Facts

ON BRENNAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Gaelic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

343

PRONUNCIATION:

BREN-әn

SIMPLE MEANING:

Teardrop, sorrow

Characteristics

OF BRENNAN

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Brennan

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRENNAN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Brennan

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRENNAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Brennan


Popular Songs

ON BRENNAN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Brennan


Famous People

NAMED BRENNAN

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Brennan.

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRENNAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Brennan

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRENNAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Brennan