Brian

/ BRY-un /

“noble, high” — Old Celtic

#3012024 rank
1972peak year
1,133,490babies named Brian since 1880
▼ 25%5-year trend

Brian popularity over 145 years

⭐ Sweet spot — known but not everywhere · roughly undefined% girls / NaN% boys in 2024

peak 197218801920196020002024

What does Brian mean?

From the Old Celtic element brig-, 'noble' or 'high', borne by the Irish high king Brian Boru. It spread through Ireland and became a mid-century Anglo-American staple.

OriginOld Celtic
Syllables1
Genderboy
Styleclassic, vintage

Names like Brian

Same era, same vibe — if you like Brian, these usually land on the shortlist too.

Famous Brians

Spellings & variants

Bryan

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