Brenna first name popularity, history and meaning

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

Meaning of Brenna

A feminine given name of Irish origin meaning "brow" or "freckled".

Popularity of Brenna by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Brenna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 92 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Brenna.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 92
2022 0 118
2021 0 154
2020 0 149
2019 0 175
2018 0 232
2017 0 260
2016 0 304
2015 0 355
2014 0 362
2013 0 417
2012 0 458
2011 0 576
2010 0 644
2009 0 707
2008 0 765
2007 0 886
2006 0 845
2005 0 885
2004 0 966
2003 0 1,036
2002 0 924
2001 0 960
2000 0 1,023
1999 0 1,027
1998 0 1,047
1997 0 1,035
1996 0 1,149
1995 0 1,212
1994 0 1,002
1993 0 739
1992 0 725
1991 0 661
1990 0 605
1989 0 554
1988 0 527
1987 0 489
1986 0 440
1985 0 453
1984 0 411
1983 0 366
1982 0 316
1981 0 332
1980 0 300
1979 0 211
1978 0 212
1977 0 183
1976 0 185
1975 0 189
1974 0 167

The history of the first name Brenna

The given name Brenna has its origins in the Celtic languages of ancient Britain and Ireland. It is derived from the Old Celtic word "brenhin," meaning "king" or "prince." This name was particularly popular among the ancient Britons and was often bestowed upon those of noble or royal lineage.

During the Middle Ages, the name Brenna was commonly found in various regions of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. It was sometimes spelled as "Brenna," "Brynna," or "Brenna," reflecting the regional variations in pronunciation and spelling conventions of the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brenna can be found in the ancient Welsh text known as the "Mabinogion," a collection of medieval Welsh prose stories and myths. In this text, Brenna is mentioned as the name of a character, though little is known about the individual's historical significance.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Brenna. One of the most famous was Brenna of Galloway (c. 1020-1090), a Scottish princess and the daughter of Gille Brigte, Earl of Galloway. She is remembered for her role in the political struggles of her time and her efforts to protect her family's lands and interests.

Another notable Brenna was Brenna of Leinster (c. 1150-1225), an Irish noblewoman and the daughter of Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster. She played a significant role in the Norman invasion of Ireland and was known for her strategic alliances and political acumen.

In the 13th century, Brenna de Montfort (c. 1205-1252) was a French noblewoman and the wife of Simon de Montfort, a prominent leader in the Barons' War against King Henry III of England. She was renowned for her courage and resilience during the struggles of that period.

Another notable figure was Brenna of Strathclyde (c. 1280-1350), a Scottish princess and the daughter of the Lord of Strathclyde. She is recorded in historical documents as having played a crucial role in the negotiations between Scotland and England during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

In the 16th century, Brenna O'Brien (c. 1545-1610) was an Irish chieftain and the daughter of Conor O'Brien, Earl of Thomond. She was known for her leadership skills and her efforts to protect her clan's lands and traditions during a tumultuous period in Irish history.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Brenna, a name with deep roots in the Celtic cultures of ancient Britain and Ireland.

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

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

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"Brenna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on November 5, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/brenna-meaning-and-history/.

"Brenna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/brenna-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 5 November, 2024

Brenna first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/brenna-meaning-and-history/.

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