Find out how popular the first name Brehon has been for the last 7 years (from 1989 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brehon by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Brehon is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Brehon.

The history of the first name Brehon

The given name Brehon is derived from the Old Irish word "brithem," which means "judge" or "jurist." This name has its roots in the early Irish legal system, where brehons were judges who presided over cases and interpreted the ancient laws.

The origins of the name Brehon can be traced back to the 5th century CE, when the brehon laws were first codified in Ireland. These laws were based on the ancient Gaelic traditions and customs, and they governed various aspects of life, including property rights, inheritance, and criminal offenses.

Brehons held a significant role in Irish society, as they were responsible for preserving and interpreting the intricate legal system. They were highly respected and often came from prominent families or clans. The position of a brehon was hereditary, and they underwent rigorous training to become proficient in the complex legal codes.

The earliest recorded example of the name Brehon dates back to the 7th century CE, when a brehon named Dubhthach mac Naile is mentioned in the Annals of Ulster. This historical record provides evidence of the name's use during the early medieval period in Ireland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Brehon. One prominent figure was Brehon O'Daly (c. 1250-1325), an Irish judge and legal scholar known for his extensive knowledge of the brehon laws. He was a prominent figure in the legal system of his time and is credited with codifying and preserving many aspects of the ancient Irish legal traditions.

Another notable Brehon was Brehon O'Loghlen (c. 1290-1370), who served as the chief brehon of Munster, a historic province in southwestern Ireland. He was renowned for his expertise in the brehon laws and played a crucial role in resolving disputes and maintaining order in the region.

In the 16th century, Brehon O'Maonaigh (c. 1500-1560) was a respected brehon from County Meath, Ireland. He was known for his extensive knowledge of the brehon laws and his ability to navigate the complex legal system of his time.

Brehon O'Higgin (c. 1670-1738) was a notable Irish judge and legal scholar who lived during the 17th and 18th centuries. He was highly regarded for his expertise in the brehon laws and played a significant role in preserving the legal traditions of his ancestors.

Finally, Brehon O'Callaghan (c. 1820-1890) was an Irish judge and legal scholar who lived in the 19th century. He was known for his efforts to revive and promote the study of the ancient brehon laws, contributing to the preservation of this rich legal heritage.

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 Brehon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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