Origin & Meaning of the Brennan Surname
What does the last name Brennan mean?
The surname Brennan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 49,238 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Brennan ranks as the #701 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Brennan come from?
The Brennan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Brennan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Brennan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Brennan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #701 |
| US Count (2010) | 49,238 |
| Per 100K People | 16.69 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Brennan
According to the US Census, the Brennan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 49,238 Americans with the Brennan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.56% |
| Black | 0.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.83% |
| Native American | 0.24% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of Brennan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Brennan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Brennan surname increased by 942 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Brennan
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Brennan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brennan
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