Brian
Brian is an boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Possibly 'high' or 'noble'”.
| Meaning | Possibly 'high' or 'noble' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Irish |
| Pronunciation | BRY-un |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | Ireland, United States, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Brian
Brian is an old Irish name whose meaning is uncertain; it is often linked to a Celtic root meaning 'high' or 'exalted', so 'noble' is the usual explanation. Its great hero is Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland who died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The name spread through Ireland, Scotland and Brittany and became very popular across the English-speaking world in the twentieth century.
Is Brian a religious name?
Brian is not a biblical or saint's name; it is a secular Irish name used by families of every background.
How popular is Brian?
Very common among men born in the mid-twentieth century; less often chosen for babies now.
Gifts with the name Brian
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Spellings and variants of Brian
Names similar to Brian
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brian mean?
Brian means 'Possibly 'high' or 'noble''. It is of Irish origin.
Does Brian have a religious meaning?
Brian is not a biblical or saint's name; it is a secular Irish name used by families of every background.
How do you pronounce Brian?
Brian is pronounced BRY-un.
Is Brian a boy or girl name?
Brian is usually a boy name.