The baby name Brennan isn’t quite Brendan or Brandon, and that might be why it appeals right now.
Thanks to Kenneth for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES BRENNAN MEAN?
The baby name Brennan has at least two possible origins. It could come from a given name derived from the Irish word for tear drop. That might imply a meaning similar to sorrow, but it’s also a shape, one used to describe everything from gemstones to design elements. Or maybe it refers to rain or moisture, like dew droplets.
A second theory links Brennan to Bran and Brannan, from Irish and Welsh words meaning raven. Brannan would be “little raven.”
One last possible Brennan name meaning: the German surname Brenn meant “to burn,” an occupational surname that covered lots of different jobs, from distilling liquor to one responsible for charcoal or lime brick fires. It’s a little fuzzy, but it’s also not the most likely origin.
FAMOUS FIGURES NAMED BRENNAN
Most of the notables have worn this name as a surname.
It’s a wide and varied group, including:
- Back in 1877, Irish-Australian inventor Louis Brennan designed a torpedo that is widely considered the world’s first functional guided missile. (Other designs predated it, but his actually worked.)
- New Orleans’ world-famous French Quarter is home to Brennan’s. Owen Brennan opened the restaurant in 1946. Though the family no longer owns it, the restaurant is still in operation. It’s famous for many things, including the creation of Bananas Foster in 1951.
- Television series Bones featured the whip-smart Temperance Brennan. Created by writer Kathy Reichs, Temperance was at the center of the long-running series. She’s a forensic anthropologist teamed with an FBI agent to solve crimes through cutting-edge science.
- It’s the last name of Grammy Award-winning Irish singer Enya – though she never uses it.
- While we’re in Ireland, some of you might immediately think of the Bishop from beloved comedy series Father Ted. While Ted may have his faults, he’s quite likable. Bishop Brennan? Not quite so much.
- William Brennan, Jr. was Supreme Court Justice from 1956 through 1990, an impressive run. He’s one of the most influential judges of the 20th century.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME BRENNAN?
Before we get to the baby name Brennan, let’s look at two other names.
Early Irish import Brendan caught on first, starting to rise during the 1940s.
But Brandon was the breakout star, entering the US Top 1000 in the 1950s, cracking the Top 100 in the 1970s, and then, with a boost from 1990s smash hit Beverly Hills, 90210, spending the 1990s in the Top Ten.
By comparison, Brennan is their quiet cousin. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 1966 and left the popularity rankings after 2022.
As of 2024, 207 boys and 18 girls received the name.
Depending on your perspective, Brennan is best left in the 1990s with Brendan and Brandon, or a name that never quite hit its stride.
UPBEAT IRISH OPTION
I think there’s a good case to consider the baby name Brennan an undiscovered gem.
It stands out compared to Brendan or Brayden or Bryce, something that feels familiar, but seldom heard.
If you love an upbeat Irish vibe, but want something that your son will never share, it’s worth taking a closer look at bright, energetic Brennan.
What do you think of the baby name Brennan?
First published on September 7, 2015, this post was revised on April 16, 2026.
My first association is legendary Dungeon Master and improv comedian Brennan Lee Mulligan. Love that guy!!
It’s our boy’s name, though we spell it with an “o” instead of an “a.” Felt more masculine. We’ve heard it, albeit rarely, for both boys and girls.
I actually like it better for a girl — maybe with Bryn as a nickname.
I definitely like Brennan. Because it is a surname and because of the Dr. Temperance Brennan TV character I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a true unisex name.