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Brennan

Pronunciation: BREH-nən (key)

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Origin of the name Brennan:

Transferred use of the surname, which is from the Irish O Brennan, the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Braonáin (descendant of Braoin). Braoin is a Gaelic name meaning “sorrow, saddness.” Brennan is also an English surname and is evolved from the Old English Burnand (burned hand). The name makes reference to the medieval practice of burning the hands of those caught breaking the law. Var: Brennand, Brennen.

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Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Brennan!

Comments and insights on the name Brennan: | Edit
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Personal experiences with the name Brennan: | Edit

It gets confused with Brendan a LOT.
Some cultures have a very difficult time pronouncing 'Bre' and instead it turns into 'Brian'.
Can't find preprinted items with Brennan.

It also unfortunately gets confused especially when it gets cut-off on roll call sheets at Brenna

We named our son Brennan in 2010, it's a great strong name.

Nicknames for Brennan: | Edit

Bren, Nin

B or Bren

Meanings and history of the name Brennan: | Edit

Back in 1986 when we were looking for names, I found a book that said it meant "Brave and bold, even when young"

Famous real-life people named Brennan: | Edit

Brennan Manning, author
Brennan Boesch, outfielder for the Detroit Tigers

Brennan in song, story & screen: | Edit

Dr Temperance Brennan, a character on "Bones".

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