Find out how popular the first name Brenden has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brenden by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Brenden is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Brenden being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 58 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Brenden.

The history of the first name Brenden

The name Brenden has its origins in the Celtic culture, believed to have emerged in Ireland and Scotland around the 5th century AD. It is derived from the Old Irish name "Bréanainn," which means "prince" or "navigator." The name's roots can be traced back to the Gaelic word "bré," meaning "hill" or "rise."

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Brenden was Saint Brendan the Navigator, an Irish monk who lived in the 6th century AD. He is famous for his legendary journey across the Atlantic Ocean, as chronicled in the medieval text "Navigatio Sancti Brendani Abbatis" (The Voyage of Saint Brendan the Abbot). This tale inspired many explorers and adventurers during the Age of Exploration.

In the 12th century, the name Brenden appeared in the Icelandic sagas, particularly in the "Landnámabók" (Book of Settlements), which documented the settlement of Iceland by Norse explorers. This suggests that the name had gained popularity among the Vikings and was carried to other regions through their travels and conquests.

In the literary world, one notable figure with the name Brenden was the English poet and playwright Brendan Behan (1923-1964). He was celebrated for his works that captured the spirit of working-class Dublin and his witty, irreverent style.

Another famous Brenden was Brendan Bracken (1901-1958), a British politician and close confidant of Winston Churchill during World War II. He played a crucial role in shaping Churchill's public image and served as the Minister of Information in the wartime government.

In more recent times, the name Brenden has been associated with several notable individuals, including Brendan Fraser (born 1968), the American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Mummy" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Brendan Gleeson (born 1955) is an acclaimed Irish actor who has appeared in numerous films, including the "Harry Potter" series and "Calvary."

Throughout history, the name Brenden has carried a sense of adventure, exploration, and resilience, reflecting its Celtic roots and the tales of legendary figures like Saint Brendan the Navigator. Its enduring popularity across cultures and eras attests to its rich heritage and timeless appeal.

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

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

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