Breandan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Old Irish word "Bréan," which means "little salmon." The name has been associated with several figures in Irish mythology and history.
In Celtic mythology, Breandan was the son of the goddess Boann and the god Nechtan. He was said to be so beautiful that he could turn the river Boyne into milk when he bathed in it. This legend is reflected in the name's association with salmon, as the fish are known for their leaping abilities.
The name Breandan has also been used by several historical figures in Ireland. One of the most notable was Breandan O'Clery, a 17th-century poet and scholar who compiled the first comprehensive Irish language dictionary. Another famous bearer of the name was Breandan Ua Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland before the Norman conquest.
Today, Breandan remains a popular name in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora around the world. It is often spelled with an "F" instead of the traditional "PH," as in Breandan Ferris, a Sinn Fein politician and former president of the party.
In summary, Breandan is an Irish name with deep historical and mythological roots. Its meaning, little salmon, reflects the beauty and grace associated with the fish's movements. Throughout history, notable figures have borne this name, contributing to its enduring popularity in Ireland and beyond.
The name Breandan has been given to a total of 164 babies in the United States over the past four decades. The popularity of this name has varied over time, with some years seeing more than ten births and others less than five.
Looking at the statistics, we can see that the highest number of births for the name Breandan occurred in 2006, with a total of 13 babies being born that year. This was also an unusually high year for the name compared to previous years, suggesting that there may have been a sudden increase in popularity during this time.
Interestingly, despite the fluctuations in popularity over the years, there has been a consistent trend of around five to seven births per year since 1998. This suggests that while Breandan may not be one of the most popular names in America, it is still fairly common and has maintained a steady level of popularity over time.
It's also worth noting that the name Breandan seems to have experienced a small resurgence in recent years, with nine births recorded in 2016. This could indicate that the name may be becoming more fashionable again among parents-to-be. However, only time will tell if this trend continues and whether Breandan will become even more popular in the future.
Overall, while Breandan is not one of the most common names in America, it has maintained a steady level of popularity over the past four decades. With its unique spelling and sound, it continues to be chosen by parents who want their child's name to stand out from the crowd.