Brendan: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced BREN-duhn · 2 syllables
Brendan means “prince, king; high, exalted”, from Irish.
Anglicized form of the name of Irish saints, Irish Breanainn (via Latin Brendanus), from Old Irish Brenainn, from Old Welsh breenhin (“prince, king”), ultimately from Proto-Celtic *brigantinos (“(someone) preeminent, outstanding”), a diminutive of *briganti (“high, exalted”). Doublet of Brian.
- Meaning
- prince, king; high, exalted
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- BREN-duhn
- US babies a year
- about 383 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1990
How popular is Brendan?
About 383 US babies a year were named Brendan in 2021–2025. It’s used less than it was: down 77% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1990.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| Scotland | #476 |
| Northern Ireland | #213 |
| Ireland | #389 |
How old are people named Brendan?
Half of US adults named Brendan are older than 30; most are between 19 and 55. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Brendan
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Brendan have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Brendan
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Brendan
What does the name Brendan mean?
Brendan means “prince, king; high, exalted”. It comes from Irish.
How do you pronounce Brendan?
Brendan is pronounced BREN-duhn.
How popular is the name Brendan?
About 383 US babies a year were named Brendan in 2021–2025. It’s used less than it was: down 77% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1990.
How old are people named Brendan?
Half of US adults named Brendan are older than 30. Most are between 19 and 55.