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Brenden

Boy name · 14 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Brenden: 14 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2006.

Brenden is an anglicized form of the Irish name Brénainn, derived from Old Irish elements meaning “prince” or “little raven,” and is closely associated with the Scottish Gaelic variant Brendain. The most famous bearer is Saint Brendan the Navigator, a sixth-century Irish monk and explorer whose legendary voyages to the “Isle of the Blessed” may have reached North America centuries before Columbus. The name also calls to mind actor Brendan Fraser, though his spelling is the more traditional one. In Scotland, Brenden has been a popular alternative form, particularly since the 1970s, and shares its root with the Scottish town of Brechin, whose name possibly links to the same ancient Celtic word for “hill.” Parents drawn to Brenden often appreciate its sturdy, classic feel with a slightly modern twist.