Mening
The name Brian means "strong" or "virtuous". It is derived from an old Irish word "bri" which means "hill" or "high". It is also said to be related to the Celtic god "Belenus", meaning "bright" or "shining".
Celtic strong; Irish strength, virtue
A borrowing from the Irish, Brian is of uncertain etymology. It is generally thought to be of Celtic origin, but its meaning is disputed. Some believe it to be derived from the root bri (force, strength), brigh (valor, strength), or bruaich (a hill, steep, high). It is also given the definition “kingly.” Var: Briann, Briant, Brien, Brient, Brion, Bryan, Bryann, Bryon, Bryonn. Short: Bri. (BRI-UN)
Irish name of uncertain etymology. It is generally thought to be of Celtic origin, but its meaning is disputed. Some believe it to be derived from the root bri (force, strength), brigh (valor, strength), or bruaich (a hill, steep, high). The name was introduced to different parts of England in the Middle Ages by Scandinavians from Ireland and by Bretons from Brittany. Var: Brien, Bryan. Short: Bri. (BRI-UN)
Popular name of uncertain etymology. It is generally thought to be of Celtic origin, but its meaning is disputed. Some believe it to be derived from the root bri (force, strength), brigh (valor, strength), or bruaich (a hill, steep, high). The name was most famously borne by King Brian Boru (926?-1014), whose repeat victories over battles with the Danes crushed their attempts at the conquest of Ireland. He was finally killed on Good Friday in 1014 during the decisive Great Battle of Clontarf. Var: Bryan, Bryon. (BRI-AN)
A borrowing from the Irish, Brian is of uncertain etymology. It is generally thought to be of Celtic origin, but its meaning is disputed. Some believe it to be derived from the root bri (force, strength), brigh (courage, valor), or bruaich (a hill, steep, high). Var: Bryan. (BRI-UN)
Borrowed from the Irish, Brian is of uncertain etymology. It is generally thought to be of Celtic origin, but its meaning is disputed. See BRIAN (Irish Names). Var: Brien, Bryan. (BRI-UN)
(Irish, Scottish) strong; virtuous; honorable. History: Brian Boru was an eleventh-century Irish king and national hero. See also Palaina.
Strength
(Irish) strong man of honor
