Find out how popular the first name Brena has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name derived from the Spanish word "brena" meaning heather.
Based on the last 48 years of data, Brena is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2021, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Brena.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2021 | 0 | 11 |
2019 | 0 | 7 |
2018 | 0 | 11 |
2017 | 0 | 9 |
2016 | 0 | 16 |
2015 | 0 | 18 |
2014 | 0 | 11 |
2013 | 0 | 25 |
2012 | 0 | 23 |
2011 | 0 | 24 |
2010 | 0 | 11 |
2009 | 0 | 17 |
2008 | 0 | 22 |
2007 | 0 | 36 |
2006 | 0 | 29 |
2005 | 0 | 19 |
2004 | 0 | 24 |
2003 | 0 | 17 |
2002 | 0 | 19 |
2001 | 0 | 25 |
2000 | 0 | 18 |
1999 | 0 | 16 |
1998 | 0 | 21 |
1997 | 0 | 20 |
1996 | 0 | 18 |
1995 | 0 | 19 |
1994 | 0 | 18 |
1993 | 0 | 8 |
1992 | 0 | 18 |
1991 | 0 | 11 |
1990 | 0 | 21 |
1989 | 0 | 6 |
1988 | 0 | 13 |
1987 | 0 | 11 |
1986 | 0 | 11 |
1985 | 0 | 10 |
1984 | 0 | 11 |
1983 | 0 | 11 |
1982 | 0 | 8 |
1981 | 0 | 10 |
1980 | 0 | 11 |
1979 | 0 | 11 |
1978 | 0 | 5 |
1977 | 0 | 6 |
1976 | 0 | 6 |
1975 | 0 | 5 |
1974 | 0 | 7 |
The name Brena is believed to have its origins in the Lombardic language, which was spoken by the Lombards, a Germanic people who ruled a significant part of the Italian Peninsula from the 6th to the 8th century. The name is thought to be derived from the word "brünne," which means "breastplate" or "coat of mail" in Old High German.
During the Middle Ages, the name Brena was primarily used in northern Italy, particularly in the regions that were once part of the Lombard kingdom. It is possible that the name was initially given to individuals who were associated with the production or use of armor and weaponry, as the name's connection to the word "brünne" suggests.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brena can be found in a document from the 12th century, which mentions a nobleman named Brena de Monferrato, who lived in the region of Monferrato in northwestern Italy. However, it is important to note that historical records from this period are often incomplete, and there may have been earlier instances of the name that have not been preserved.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Brena. One of the most famous was Brena di Svevia (1205-1235), a German princess who married Fernando III, the King of Castile and Leon. Another notable figure was Brena Agliardi (1827-1904), an Italian painter and engraver known for her religious works and landscapes.
In the 14th century, a Franciscan friar named Brena da Gubbio (c. 1300-1370) gained recognition for his writings on spiritual matters and his contributions to the religious life of the time. Additionally, Brena Vecchietti (1551-1629), an Italian noblewoman and writer, was known for her poetry and her patronage of the arts.
Lastly, Brena Buzzati (1876-1956), an Italian writer and journalist, is remembered for his work as a correspondent during World War I and his contributions to various literary magazines and newspapers.
While the name Brena has its roots in the Lombardic language and the history of northern Italy, it has since spread to other parts of the world, although its usage remains relatively rare compared to other names.
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 Brena was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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<a href="http://namecensus.com/first-names/brena-meaning-and-history/">Brena first name popularity, history and meaning</a>
"Brena first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 3, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/brena-meaning-and-history/.
"Brena first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/brena-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 3 June, 2025
Brena first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/brena-meaning-and-history/.
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