Brenner is a German surname and given name derived from the Middle High German word 'brenne', meaning 'to burn'. It was originally an occupational name for a burner of lime or charcoal, or a nickname for someone with a fiery temperament. Today, Brenner is more commonly used as a given name rather than a surname in many parts of Europe and beyond. The name gained some popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, possibly due to its similarity to other popular names like Brenna and Brennon. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names. There are no notable historical figures or celebrities named Brenner, but it is a name that has been used in various forms of literature and media, such as the character Brenner in the video game "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt".
The name Brenner experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks in recent decades and a noticeable decline since 2017.