Find out how popular the first name Brien has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A masculine name of Irish origin meaning "hill" or "high".
Based on the last 50 years of data, Brien is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Brien being male.
For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Brien.
| Year | Male Count | Female Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 | 0 |
| 2017 | 12 | 0 |
| 2016 | 7 | 0 |
| 2015 | 9 | 0 |
| 2014 | 6 | 0 |
| 2013 | 13 | 0 |
| 2012 | 13 | 0 |
| 2011 | 9 | 0 |
| 2010 | 12 | 0 |
| 2009 | 13 | 0 |
| 2008 | 11 | 0 |
| 2007 | 23 | 0 |
| 2006 | 24 | 0 |
| 2005 | 27 | 0 |
| 2004 | 23 | 0 |
| 2003 | 33 | 0 |
| 2002 | 36 | 0 |
| 2001 | 25 | 0 |
| 2000 | 30 | 0 |
| 1999 | 49 | 0 |
| 1998 | 25 | 0 |
| 1997 | 46 | 0 |
| 1996 | 44 | 0 |
| 1995 | 48 | 0 |
| 1994 | 54 | 0 |
| 1993 | 40 | 0 |
| 1992 | 62 | 0 |
| 1991 | 41 | 0 |
| 1990 | 52 | 0 |
| 1989 | 57 | 0 |
| 1988 | 61 | 0 |
| 1987 | 48 | 0 |
| 1986 | 48 | 0 |
| 1985 | 68 | 0 |
| 1984 | 50 | 0 |
| 1983 | 65 | 5 |
| 1982 | 61 | 0 |
| 1981 | 69 | 0 |
| 1980 | 74 | 0 |
| 1979 | 61 | 0 |
| 1978 | 66 | 0 |
| 1977 | 47 | 0 |
| 1976 | 57 | 0 |
| 1975 | 68 | 0 |
The name Brien has its origins in the Irish Gaelic language, derived from the word "bríghde" or "brígh," meaning strength, vigor, or virtue. It first emerged as a popular name in Ireland during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions like Munster and Connacht.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brien can be found in the Irish Annals, which document a Brien Borumha, also known as Brian Boru, who ruled as the High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014 CE. He is celebrated for his victories over Viking invaders and his efforts to unite Ireland under a single throne.
The name Brien also has strong ties to early Irish Christianity. St. Brien, or Bríghid, was a revered 5th-century abbess and patron saint of Ireland, known for her piety and compassion. Many churches and monasteries were dedicated to her, further propagating the name's popularity.
Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Brien. One of the earliest was Brien O'Brien, a 10th-century King of Munster, who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Clontarf against the Vikings in 1014.
Another prominent figure was Brien Oge O'Rourke, a 16th-century Irish lord who led a rebellion against English rule in Ireland during the Nine Years' War from 1594 to 1603.
In the 18th century, Brien Boroimhe was an Irish harper and composer who helped preserve and promote traditional Irish music during a time of cultural suppression.
Moving to more modern times, Brien McMahon was a prominent American politician who served as a United States Senator from Connecticut from 1945 to 1952, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Brien Cullen, born in 1968, is an acclaimed Irish author and playwright, known for works such as "The Rathmines Terrace" and "The Ballad of Nell Gunn."
Over the centuries, the name Brien has maintained its strong Irish heritage and associations with strength, virtue, and cultural preservation. While its popularity may have ebbed and flowed, it remains a cherished part of Ireland's rich naming traditions.
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 Brien was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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