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Brenan

OriginIrish
Meaning"descendent of the sad one"

About Brenan

Brenan is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, typically considered a variant spelling of Brennan. The name derives from the Irish surname Ó Braonáin, meaning "descendant of Braonán" (a personal name related to "braon," meaning "moisture" or "drop"). This simplified spelling variation maintains the same pronunciation while offering a more streamlined appearance. Brenan possesses a strong, masculine sound combined with Celtic heritage, making it appealing to parents seeking names with Irish roots but contemporary feel. While less common than the double-n spelling, Brenan has maintained steady if modest usage, particularly in families with Irish ancestry. The name conveys a sense of strength and tradition without feeling overly common.

Pronounced BREN-an.

As of October 2026, Brenan ranked #9862 in US births in 2021 SSA, peaked at #2258 in 1996.

AI-written. Reviewed by Pamela Redmond

Sources: US popularity data is from the Social Security Administration. Meanings and origins are from Nameberry's name references.

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