Brennan is an Irish surname that has also become a given name in recent years. The name originates from the Irish Gaelic word "Ó Braonáin," which means "descendant of Branán." Branán himself was likely a personal name derived from the Old Irish word "braon" meaning "sad" or "mournful."
The Brennan surname is believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century, and it has since become one of the most common surnames in Ireland. Despite its origin as a surname, Brennan has also gained popularity as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the Brennan name. One of the most famous is Thomas Francis Meagher (1823-1867), an Irish-American political leader who fought for Irish independence and later served as the governor of Montana. He was known by his middle name, Francis, but his full name was Thomas Francis Brennan Meagher.
In literature, the Brennan family plays a significant role in William Trevor's novel "The Story of Lucy Gault." The story follows the Brennans, a wealthy Irish family living in County Cork, and their daughter Lucy, as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and betrayal.
Overall, Brennan is an Irish surname turned given name with a rich history and meaningful origins. While it may have started out meaning "descendant of Branán," its true significance lies in the countless individuals throughout history who have carried this proud name.
The given statistics illustrate the popularity of the name Brennan in the United States from 1916 to 2023. During this period, there has been a significant increase in the number of births with the name Brennan.
In the early years, from 1916 to 1958, the number of babies named Brennan ranged between 5 and 14 per year. However, starting from 1959, we observe a steady rise in popularity. Between 1959 and 1963, the number of births with the name Brennan increased from 17 to 32.
This upward trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, reaching a peak of 142 births in 1980. From there, the popularity of the name Brennan remained high throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with annual birth counts ranging from 232 to 606 between 1983 and 1995.
However, starting in the mid-1990s, we see a notable decline in the number of births with the name Brennan. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend shows a decrease over time. From a peak of 1464 births in 2009, the number has fallen to just 212 births in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Brennan experienced periods of popularity and decline throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century, its overall popularity has decreased significantly in recent years. Despite this, with a total of 32821 babies named Brennan born in the United States between 1916 and 2023, it remains an enduring choice for parents.