Find out how popular the first name Brogan has been for the last 41 years (from 1983 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brogan by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Brogan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 83% of people named Brogan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 57 male babies and 12 female babies born with the name Brogan.

The history of the first name Brogan

The name Brogan has its origins in the Irish language, where it is derived from the Gaelic word "bróg," meaning "shoe." It is believed to have first emerged as a surname in Ireland during the Middle Ages, likely referring to someone who worked as a shoemaker or had some association with the shoe trade.

While the exact origins of Brogan as a given name are unclear, it is thought to have gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, possibly as a way to honor one's Irish heritage or to pay tribute to an ancestor with the surname Brogan. The name has since been adopted in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Brogan as a first name can be found in the works of Irish playwright and novelist Seán O'Casey, who featured a character named Brogan in his 1923 play "The Shadow of a Gunman." This early literary reference may have contributed to the name's broader recognition and usage.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Brogan. One such figure is Brogan Duffy (1924-1975), an Irish republican and member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the 20th century. Another is Brogan BamBrogan (1947-2006), a Canadian actor and voice artist best known for his work on the animated series "Dragonball Z" and "Sailor Moon."

In the world of sports, Brogan Towler (born 1993) is a professional rugby league player from England, currently playing for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. Brogan Rafferty (born 1984) is an Australian boxer who competed in the lightweight division and won multiple national titles.

Lastly, Brogan Bentley (born 1991) is a British author and poet, known for her works exploring themes of identity, feminism, and mental health. Her debut poetry collection, "Reservoir," was published in 2018 and received critical acclaim.

While not an exhaustive list, these examples showcase the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the name Brogan throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence across various cultures and disciplines.

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

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

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