Breona is a unique and captivating female given name of American origin. It was popularized by author Toni Morrison, who used it as a character's name in her novel "Sula." The name Breona is derived from the Gaelic word 'breitheamh,' which means 'judge.' However, it's important to note that its usage and popularity are not strongly linked to this etymological meaning. Instead, Breona stands out as an expressive choice, offering parents a distinctive option when naming their child. The name consists of three syllables: bre-e-o-na, with the stress falling on the second syllable. It is often spelled in various ways, such as Breonna or Brianna, but its unique pronunciation remains consistent regardless of the spelling variation.
The name Breona experienced significant popularity from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, peaking with 145 births in 1993 and 167 births in 1994. However, its usage has declined dramatically since then, with fewer than 20 births per year from 2010 onwards, indicating that it is now quite rare.