Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Brianna

Brianna is a spelling variant of Briana, which is considered the feminine form of the Irish masculine name Brian. Many etymologists believe that Brian is derived from an Old Celtic-Gaelic word “brígh” meaning “noble, high” most likely from the ancient Celtic element “bre” meaning “hill”. Brian became a popular name in Ireland during the Middle Ages thanks to Brian Boru, the last High King of Éire, who reigned from 1002 to 1014. He is best remembered for having defeated the Vikings (see the name Brian for more detail). Interestingly, the female equivalent of Brian, i.e., Briana, dates back to the late 16th century as evidenced by English poet Edmund Spenser’s usage of the name in his epic “The Faerie Queene” (1590). See literary references below for more detail. Brianna with two “n”s was developed later in the 20th century as an embellishment on the more minimalistic Briana. Despite her Irish influence, Brianna is mainly used in the United States, taking off in popularity during the 1970s.

All About the Baby Name – Brianna

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME BRIANNA

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 GIRL NAME BRIANNA

Brianna did not show up on the U.S. naming charts for girls until 1976 and yet it only took the name a little more than 15 years to achieve Top 50 status. The name’s peak popularity came in 1999 when Brianna was the 14th most favored baby girl’s name in the country. When a name is as short-lived as Brianna sees such rapid adoption, we’d generally characterize it as a “fad.” As such, we are already seeing the “Briana” names begin their retreat down the charts, expected to slip to moderate usage in the coming decades. I came. I saw. I conquered. ..and then I left. Her conquering days are probably behind her at this point. Although “Br-“ female names remain strong favorites, and Brianna is still only second to Brooklyn. Brooke, Brielle, Brynn and Brynlee are some other favorites.

Quick Facts

ON BRIANNA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

71

PRONUNCIATION:

bree-AN-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Noble, high

Characteristics

OF BRIANNA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Brianna

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRIANNA

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRIANNA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Brianna


Popular Songs

ON BRIANNA

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


Famous People

NAMED BRIANNA

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

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRIANNA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRIANNA

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