What Does the Name Brian Mean?
Brian is a boy's name of Irish origin meaning “high, noble.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Brian |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Irish |
| Meaning | high, noble |
| Variants | Brien, Bryan, Bryant, Brian, Briano |
| Popularity | A US top 10 boys' name in the 1970s. |
The meaning and origin of Brian
The name Brian means “high, noble” and has Irish origins. An Irish name possibly derived from an element meaning 'high' or 'noble', borne by Brian Boru, the 11th-century high king who repelled Viking invaders. It was brought to England by Breton settlers and revived strongly in the 20th century.
Variants and related names
Brian is related to several other names you may recognize: Brien, Bryan, Bryant, Brian, Briano. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Brian?
A US top 10 boys' name in the 1970s.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brian mean?+
The name Brian means “high, noble” and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of the name Brian?+
Brian originates from Irish.
Is Brian a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Brian has trended in the US over time.
Brian by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press