Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Brenna
GirlIrish, American (modern coinage)
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- BREH-nuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,846
- US babies 2025
- 108
- Best rank
- #235 (1995)
- Peak year
- 1995
Meaning and origin of Brenna
Brenna is usually linked to Irish and American (modern coinage) roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Brenna is a modern name of uncertain origin. It is often treated as a feminine form of Brennan, an Irish surname from Ó Braonáin, or as an elaboration of Irish words with the sound bren, but its meaning is not established. Some sources associate it with "raven" or "sorrow," but those claims are hard to verify. Brenna came into use in the English-speaking world in the twentieth century and has an Irish, slightly outdoorsy feel. It is short, friendly and easy to spell, and Bren is a natural nickname. Brenda is a separate name.
Popularity over time
Brenna first appears in US Social Security records in 1946. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 46 different years, starting in 1971. Its best national rank was #235 in 1995, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,212 babies. In 2025, 108 babies were named Brenna, and it ranked #1,846 nationally. That is 70% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,353 in 1950, #613 in 1980, #310 in 2000, #469 in 2010, and #1,846 in 2025. Of the 29,371 US girls named Brenna since records began, 31% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 9,000 babies. Since 2010, 4,498 more have been named Brenna.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Clarissa, Marisol, Katlyn, Tiara, and Marina.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Brenna ranked highest in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #752 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1031 | 8 |
| Ohio | #1160 | 7 |
| New York | #1872 | 6 |
| Texas | #1932 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Brenna is usually pronounced BREH-nuh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with B and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Brenna
A few middle names that flow with Brenna: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Brenna
Similar names
Breanna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine form of Brian” · Irish
#2,548
Riana Girl
ree-AN-uh
“possibly short for Briana or Adriana” · American (modern coinage)
#5,199
Ayanna Girl
eye-AH-nuh
“modern name of uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,368
Laina Girl
LAY-nuh
“modern name of uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#2,422
Leana Girl
lee-AH-nuh
“variant of Liana or Leanne” · American (modern coinage)
#2,424
Oona Girl
OO-nuh
“from Irish Úna, possibly lamb or unity” · Irish
#2,768
Vianna Girl
vee-AN-uh
“uncertain; perhaps a blend of Vi and Anna” · American (modern coinage)
#3,026
Keona Girl
kee-OH-nuh
“modern name, meaning uncertain” · American (modern coinage)
#3,188
Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#593
Kailey Girl
KAY-lee
“modern spelling of Kayleigh” · American (modern coinage)
#1,420
Tiana Girl
tee-AH-nuh
“short form of Christiana or Tatiana” · American (modern coinage)
#598
Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,793
Lists that include Brenna
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Brenna mean?
Brenna is usually linked to Irish and American (modern coinage) roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Brenna?
Brenna has Irish and modern American roots. Brenna is a modern name of uncertain origin.
Is Brenna a popular name?
Not especially. Brenna ranked #1,846 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Brenna a boy or girl name?
Brenna is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Brenna?
Brenna is usually pronounced BREH-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings