The name Breana is a relatively modern variant of the traditional Irish name Bríghid or Brighid, which itself is derived from the ancient Celtic goddess of the same name, Brighid. The name Brighid is thought to have originated from the Proto-Celtic word *brig, meaning "exalted one" or "high."

Brighid was one of the most revered goddesses in ancient Celtic polytheism, associated with poetry, healing, and smithcraft. She was honored as a triple goddess – a maiden, a mother, and a crone. The name was later Christianized and adopted as a popular given name for girls, particularly in Ireland and Scotland.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Breana is believed to be in the late 20th century, likely emerging as a modern variation of the traditional Irish name Brighid or Brianna. While the precise origin of the spelling "Breana" is uncertain, it is thought to be an Americanized version, possibly influenced by the French language or other Romance languages.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Breana was Breana McDermott, an Irish-American actress born in 1979. She has appeared in various television shows and films, including "The Sopranos" and "Burn After Reading."

Another notable Breana is Breana Bacon, an American professional basketball player born in 1994. She played college basketball at Howard University and has since played professionally in various leagues around the world.

In the early 2000s, Breana Flores gained recognition as a child actress in the United States, appearing in television shows like "ER" and "Judging Amy."

A historical figure with a similar name is Brianna of Verdun, a 9th-century Frankish noblewoman who was the daughter of King Louis the Stammerer and his second wife, Ansgarde of Burgundy.

While relatively uncommon in the distant past, the name Breana has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, as a modern variation of the traditional Irish name with ancient Celtic roots.