Brendan
/ˈbrɛn.dən/noun
A masculine given name of Irish origin, traditionally associated with Saint Brendan the Navigator.
Did you know?Saint Brendan the Navigator’s medieval voyage tale describes an otherworldly Atlantic journey, including an island identified with a giant sea creature, though historians treat the story as legendary.
Etymological Timeline
Early medieval period
Old Irish
Brénainn
“The original Irish personal name; its deeper meaning is uncertain.”
6th Century
Irish Latin
Brendanus
“The Latinized form associated with Saint Brendan of Clonfert.”
9th–12th Centuries
Middle Irish
Brénainn
“The name used in Irish saintly and hagiographic traditions.”
12th Century
Latin / Old French
Brendan
“Forms of the saint’s name circulated through European versions of his voyage legend.”
Modern English
English
Brendan
“A masculine given name, especially associated with Irish heritage.”