Brien

Irish

"strong, virtuous, and honorable"

Brien Origin and Meaning

The name Brien is a boy's name.

Brien is a masculine name of Irish and Celtic origin, a variant of the more common Brian. Derived from the Old Celtic element 'bre' meaning 'hill' or the Old Irish 'brigh' meaning 'high, noble, strong.' This name has deep historical roots in Irish culture, where Brian Boru was a renowned High King of Ireland in the early 11th century. Brien offers a slightly distinctive spelling of the classic, maintaining the strong, reliable character while standing apart. Though less common than Brian or Bryan, it shares their appeal as a name suggesting strength and dignity. Brien has maintained a steady if modest presence in English-speaking countries, particularly among families with Irish heritage who appreciate its cultural connections.

Brien Rank in US Top 1000

# 995 in the US

Famous People Named Brien

• Brien McMahon (born James O'Brien McMahon) U.S. Senator from Connecticut
• Brien de Bretagne aka Brian of Brittany French noble who fought for William the Conqueror