Brian
Brian: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɹaɪ.ən/
Meaning and origin of Brian
- A male given name from Irish.
Etymology
Borrowed from Irish Brian. Doublet of Brendan.
How popular is Brian?
Since 1880, 4,563 girls and 1,173,735 boys in the U.S. have been named Brian (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #796 in 1972. Its highest rank for boys was #8 in 1970. In 2025 it ranked #339 for boys, with 979 babies given the name.
Names similar to Brian
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Irish boy names
Sibling name ideas for Brian
Sister and brother names that share Brian's Irish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Brian FAQ
What does the name Brian mean?
A male given name from Irish. Borrowed from Irish Brian. Doublet of Brendan.
What is the origin of the name Brian?
Brian is listed as a name of Irish origin.
How popular is the name Brian?
Since 1880, 4,563 girls and 1,173,735 boys in the U.S. have been named Brian (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #796 in 1972. Its highest rank for boys was #8 in 1970. In 2025 it ranked #339 for boys, with 979 babies given the name.
Is Brian a boy or girl name?
Brian is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 4,563 girls and 1,173,735 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.