Find out how popular the first name Breccan has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Breccan by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Breccan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Breccan.

The history of the first name Breccan

The name Breccan has its origins in ancient Celtic languages, specifically Irish Gaelic and Welsh. It is believed to have emerged during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 7th centuries AD. The name is derived from the Old Irish word "brecán," which means "freckled" or "speckled." It is also related to the Welsh word "brychan," meaning "freckled" or "speckled one."

In Irish mythology, Breccan was the name of a legendary Irish saint and abbot who lived in the 5th or 6th century. He is said to have founded several monasteries in Wales and is venerated as the patron saint of the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog (now Breconshire). The name Breccan appears in several ancient Irish and Welsh manuscripts, including the Book of Leinster and the Book of Taliesin.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Breccan can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient chronicle of medieval Irish history. The annals mention a Breccan mac Ḟergusa, who was the King of Uí Bressail (a medieval Irish kingdom) in the late 7th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Breccan:

1. Breccan of Ardbraccan (c. 550 - c. 650), an Irish saint and founder of the monastery of Ardbraccan in County Meath, Ireland.
2. Brychan Brycheiniog (c. 500 - c. 550), a legendary Welsh king and saint who gave his name to the kingdom of Brycheiniog.
3. Breccan mac Ḟergusa (fl. 670s), the King of Uí Bressail mentioned in the Annals of Ulster.
4. Breccan mac Luigdech (fl. 670s), an Irish poet and scribe active during the 7th century.
5. Breccan mac Máele Tuile (fl. 890s), an Irish scribe and scholar who worked on the Book of Armagh in the late 9th century.

While the name Breccan was once widely used in Celtic regions, particularly in Ireland and Wales, it has become less common in modern times. However, it remains a part of the rich cultural heritage and history of these regions, serving as a reminder of the ancient Celtic traditions and legends.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Breccan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Breccan, please contact us.

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