The name Breanne is a variant of the Irish name Bríghid or Brighid, which derives from the Old Irish word "bri" meaning "exalted one" or "high, noble". It is also related to the Celtic goddess Brigid, a goddess of healing, poetry, and smithcraft. The name is believed to have originated in Ireland during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 6th centuries AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Breanne can be traced back to a 7th-century Irish saint, Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was born around 451 AD in Faughart, County Louth, Ireland. She is one of the patron saints of Ireland and is celebrated for her piety and her role in establishing several monasteries and churches.

In the 12th century, the name Breanne appeared in the medieval Irish text "Lebor Gabála Érenn" (The Book of the Taking of Ireland), which recounts the mythical origins of the Irish people. The name was also mentioned in various Irish annals and manuscripts from the medieval period.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Breanne or its variants. One such person was Brianna of the Hebrides, a 13th-century Scottish princess and the daughter of Aileen, Lord of Argyll. Another was Brianna Robertsone, a 16th-century Scottish woman who was accused of witchcraft during the North Berwick witch trials in 1590.

In the modern era, the name Breanne gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Canada, in the late 20th century. Some notable individuals with the name include Breanne Benson, an American actress and model born in 1981, and Breanne Nalder, a Canadian soccer player born in 1992.

Overall, the name Breanne has a rich history rooted in Irish and Celtic traditions, with connections to mythology, religion, and historical figures throughout the centuries.