Brian (sometimes spelled Bryan in English) is a male

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a fa ...

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

and

Breton Breton most often refers to: *anything associated with Brittany, and generally ** Breton people ** Breton language, a Southwestern Brittonic Celtic language of the Indo-European language family, spoken in Brittany ** Breton (horse), a breed **Ga ...

origin, as well as a

surname In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

Occitan Occitan may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to the Occitania territory in parts of France, Italy, Monaco and Spain. * Something of, from, or related to the Occitania administrative region of France. * Occitan language Occitan (; o ...

origin. It is common in the

English-speaking world Speakers of English are also known as Anglophones, and the countries where English is natively spoken by the majority of the population are termed the '' Anglosphere''. Over two billion people speak English , making English the largest languag ...

. It is possible that the name is derived from an

Old Celtic Proto-Celtic, or Common Celtic, is the ancestral proto-language of all known Celtic languages, and a descendant of Proto-Indo-European. It is not attested in writing but has been partly reconstructed through the comparative method. Proto-Celtic ...

word meaning "high" or "noble". For example, the element ''bre'' means "hill"; which could be transferred to mean "eminence" or "exalted one". The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of

Brian Boru Brian Boru ( mga, Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig; modern ga, Brian Bóramha; 23 April 1014) was an Irish king who ended the domination of the High King of Ireland, High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill and probably ended Viking invasion/domi ...

, a 10th-century

High King of Ireland High King of Ireland ( ga, Ardrí na hÉireann ) was a royal title in Gaelic Ireland held by those who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over all of Ireland. The title was held by historical kings and later sometimes assigned ana ...

. The name was also quite popular in

East Anglia East Anglia is an area in the East of England, often defined as including the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of the East Angles, a people whose name originated in Anglia, in ...

during the

Middle Ages In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire a ...

. This is because the name was introduced to England by

Bretons The Bretons (; br, Bretoned or ''Vretoned,'' ) are a Celts, Celtic ethnic group native to Brittany. They trace much of their heritage to groups of Common Brittonic, Brittonic speakers who emigrated from Dumnonia, southwestern Great Britain, par ...

following the

Norman Conquest The Norman Conquest (or the Conquest) was the 11th-century invasion and occupation of England by an army made up of thousands of Norman, Breton, Flemish, and French troops, all led by the Duke of Normandy, later styled William the Conque ...

. Bretons also settled in Ireland along with the

Normans The Normans (Norman language, Norman: ''Normaunds''; french: Normands; la, Nortmanni/Normanni) were a population arising in the medieval Duchy of Normandy from the intermingling between Norsemen, Norse Viking settlers and indigenous West Fran ...

in the 12th century, and 'their' name was mingled with the 'Irish' version. Also, in the north-west of England, the 'Irish' name was introduced by Scandinavian settlers from Ireland. Within the Gaelic speaking areas of Scotland, the name was at first only used by professional families of Irish origin. It was the fourth most popular male name in England and Wales in 1934, but a sharp decline followed over the remainder of the 20th century and by 1994 it had fallen out of the top 100. It retained its popularity in the United States for longer; its most popular period there was from 1968 to 1979 when it consistently ranked between eighth and tenth. The name has become increasingly popular in South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, since the early 1990s. The surname ''Brian'' is sometimes an English and Irish variant spelling of the surname '' Bryan''. The English and French surname ''Brian'' is sometimes derived from the personal Celtic personal name shown above. The surname ''Brian'' can also sometimes be a French surname; derived from the

Old Occitan Old Occitan ( oc, occitan ancian, label=Occitan language, Modern Occitan, ca, occità antic), also called Old Provençal, was the earliest form of the Occitano-Romance languages, as attested in writings dating from the eighth through the fourteen ...

word ''brian'', meaning "

maggot A maggot is the larva of a fly (order Diptera); it is applied in particular to the larvae of Brachycera flies, such as houseflies, cheese flies, and blowflies, rather than larvae of the Nematocera, such as mosquitoes and crane flies. ...

" and used as a

nickname A nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment, and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character. As a concept, it is ...

. Variants of the name include

Briant Briant may refer to: ; Places * Briant, Saône-et-Loire, a commune in the region of Bourgogne in eastern France ; People * Alexander Briant (1556–1581), an English Jesuit and martyr, executed at Tyburn * Frank Briant (1863–1934), a British Libe ...

Brien Brien is a surname and male given name. Notable people with this name include: Surname * Alan Brien (1925–2008), English journalist * Alizée Brien (born 1993), Canadian racing cyclist * Chris Brien, drummer, percussionist and drum clinician * Do ...

Bran Bran, also known as miller's bran, is the hard outer layers of Cereal, cereal grain. It consists of the combined aleurone and pericarp. Corn (maize) bran also includes the pedicel (tip cap). Along with cereal germ, germ, it is an integral pa ...

, Brion, Bryan, Bryant, Brjánn (in Icelandic) and

Bryon Bryon is an English-derived given name. Notable people with the given name include: *Bryon Allen (born 1992), American basketball player for Hapoel Eilat of the Israeli Basketball Premier League *Bizzy Bone (born 1976 as Bryon McCane), American r ...

. Variant spellings such as "Brien" are sometimes used as female given names, especially among members of the

Irish diaspora The Irish diaspora ( ga, Diaspóra na nGael) refers to ethnic Irish people and their descendants who live outside the island of Ireland. The phenomenon of migration from Ireland is recorded since the Early Middle Ages,Flechner and Meeder, The ...

.Gray, Breda. "Women and the Irish Diaspora". London : Routledge, 2004. p.87

Notable people with the name

Mononyms

Brian (dog) Bing (1942–44 – October 1955) was a dog who received the Dickin Medal in 1947 from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals for bravery in service during the Second World War. An Alsatian and Collie cross, Bing (originally named "Brian") ...

, original name of Bing, a dog who served in the British Army in World War II *

Brian (mythology) In Gaelic mythology, Brian (or Uar) was one of the three Sons of Tuireann along with Iuchar and Iucharba. Name In many extant institutionally-held manuscripts of the ''Oidheadh Chlainne Tuireann'', Brian is actually called Uar (or Uair), but th ...

, Celtic mythological figure * Brian, a snail character in the children's television programme ''

The Magic Roundabout ''The Magic Roundabout'' is an English-language children's television programme that ran from 1965 to 1977. It used the footage of the French stop motion animation show ''Le Manège enchanté'' but with completely different scripts and characte ...

Surname

Denis Brian Denis Brian (11 December 1923 – 30 May 2017) was a Welsh journalist and writer, notable for writing the 1996 biography ''Einstein: A Life''. Brian was born in Cardiff on 11 December 1923. He graduated from Ravensbourne School, Bromley in 1939 ...

(born 1923), British author *

Donald Brian Donald Brian (February 17, 1877 – December 22, 1948) was an actor, dancer and singer born in St. John's, Newfoundland (now Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada). In 1907, he starred in the hit operetta ''The Merry Widow''. Life and care ...

(1877–1948), Canadian-American actor, dancer, and singer *

Havergal Brian Havergal Brian (born William Brian; 29 January 187628 November 1972) was an English composer. He is best known for having composed 32 symphonies (an unusually high total for a 20th-century composer), most of them late in his life. His best-know ...

(1876–1972), British classical composer *

Mary Brian Mary Brian (born Louise Byrdie Dantzler, February 17, 1906 – December 30, 2002) was an American actress who made the transition from silent films to sound films. Early life Brian was born in Corsicana, Texas, the daughter of Taurrence J. ...

(1906–2002), American actress and movie star *

Morgan Brian Morgan Paige Gautrat (; born February 26, 1993) is an American soccer player who most recently played for the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the highest division of women's professional soccer in the United St ...

(born 1993), American women's soccer player

Given name: common combinations

* Brian Allen *

Brian Andersen Brian Andersen (born 13 March 1971) is a Danish former international motorcycle speedway rider. Career Andersen reached the final of the Under-21 World Championship in 1990 and then won the event the following year to become the 1991 Junior ...

* Brian Anderson * Brian Becker *

Brian Bell Brian Lane Bell (born December 9, 1968) is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist, and occasional lead vocalist of the rock band Weezer, with whom he has recorded fi ...

Brian Bennett Brian Laurence Bennett, (born 9 February 1940) is an English drummer, pianist, composer and producer of popular music. He is best known as the drummer of the UK rock and roll group the Shadows. He is the father of musician and Shadows band me ...

Brian Blake Brian Ernest Blake (born August 26, 1960) is an American logger, forester, and politician who served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 19th district from 2002 to 2021. He is a member of the Democratic Part ...

Brian Bowman Brian Leslie Bowman (born July 22, 1946) is an American virtuoso euphonium artist and music professor who, among other things, held the principal euphonium chair and was a featured soloist with the premier concert bands of the United States Navy ...

Brian Briggs Brian Briggs (29 March 1932 – 2 August 1996) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s. He played at representative level for Great Britain, England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Stanley Ran ...

* Brian Brown * Brian Burns *

Brian Byrne Brian Byrne (born January 13, 1975) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. He was the second vocalist for the band I Mother Earth. Biography Brian joined his first band in Corner Brook in 1988, a hair-metal band called Pandemonium. The band als ...

Brian Campbell Brian Wesley Campbell (born May 23, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played for the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He won the Stanl ...

Brian Carroll Brian Carroll (born July 20, 1981) is an American retired soccer player who last played for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. He is currently the only player in MLS history to have won 4 consecutive Supporter Shields. Career Youth an ...

* Brian Clark *

Brian Clarke Brian Clarke (born 2 July 1953) is a British painter, architectural artist and printmaker, known for his large-scale stained glass and mosaic projects, symbolist paintings, set designs, and collaborations with major figures in Modern and conte ...

* Brian Cole *

Brian Coleman Brian Coleman FRSA (born 25 June 1961) is a former Independent Conservative politician and a former councillor in the London Borough of Barnet. He was a Conservative Party member of the London Assembly for Barnet and Camden between 2000 and ...

* Brian Collins * Brian Cook * Brian Cox *

Brian Cummings Brian Douglas Cummings (born March 4, 1948) is an American voice actor, known for his work in radio and television commercials, television and motion picture promos, cartoons and as the announcer on '' The All-New Let's Make a Deal'' from 1984 to ...

* Brian Cunningham * Brian Davis * Brian Dixon * Brian Doyle * Brian Edwards *

Brian Fallon Brian Fallon (born January 28, 1980) is an American musician, singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main lyricist of the rock band the Gaslight Anthem, with whom he has recorded five studio albums. H ...

* Brian Fitzpatrick *

Brian Fletcher Brian Fletcher (18 May 1947 – 11 January 2017) was an English jockey known for riding the horse Red Rum to win the Grand National in 1973 and 1974 and for second place in 1975. He first won the Grand National at the age of 20, in 1968 ridi ...

Brian Flynn Brian Flynn may refer to: * Brian Flynn (footballer) (born 1955), Welsh football manager * Brian Flynn (baseball) (born 1990), American baseball player * Brian Flynn (cricketer) (1929-1986), Australian cricketer * Brian Flynn (ice hockey) Brian ...

* Brian Francis * Brian Freeman * Brian Gibson *

Brian Grant Brian Wade Grant (born March 5, 1972) is an American former professional basketball player. He played the power forward and center positions for five teams during 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association. He was known for his tenacious ...

* Brian Green * Brian Hall *

Brian Harvey Brian Lee Harvey (born 8 August 1974) is a British singer from London. He was the lead singer of pop group East 17. The later incarnation of the band, E-17, had two top 20 singles on the UK Singles Chart between 1998 and 1999, with the album ' ...

* Brian Henderson *

Brian Higgins Brian Michael Higgins (born October 6, 1959) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for , serving since 2005. The district, numbered as the 27th district from 2005 to 2013 but as the 26th since 2013, includes Buffalo and Ni ...

* Brian Hill * Brian James *

Brian Johnson Brian Johnson (born 5 October 1947) is an English singer and songwriter. In 1980, after the death of Bon Scott, he became the third lead singer of the Australian rock band AC/DC. He and the rest of the band were inducted into the Rock and Rol ...

Brian Johnston Brian Alexander Johnston (24 June 1912 – 5 January 1994), nicknamed Johnners, was a British cricket commentator, author, and television presenter. He was most prominently associated with the BBC during a career which lasted from 1946 until h ...

Brian Jones Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones (28 February 1942 – 3 July 1969) was an English multi-instrumentalist and singer best known as the founder, rhythm/lead guitarist, and original leader of the Rolling Stones. Initially a guitarist, he went on to prov ...

Brian Keith Brian Keith (born Robert Alba Keith, November 14, 1921 – June 24, 1997) was an American film, television, and stage actor who in his six-decade career gained recognition for his work in films such as the Disney family film '' The Parent T ...

* Brian Kelly * Brian Kennedy * Brian Kim * Brian Lee * Brian Lewis *

Brian MacMahon Brian MacMahon (23 August 1923 – 5 December 2007) was a British-born American epidemiologist who chaired the Department of Epidemiology of the Harvard School of Public Health from 1958 until 1988. Best known for his work on the epidemiology o ...

Brian Magee Brian Magee (born 9 June 1975) is a Northern Irish former professional boxer who competed from 1999 to 2012.. Retrieved 19 June 2016. He held the WBA (Regular) super-middleweight title in 2012, and the IBO title from 2001 to 2004. At regional ...

Brian Marshall Brian Aubrey Marshall (born April 24, 1973) is an American musician and songwriter best known as the bassist and co-founder of the rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge. Early life Brian Aubrey Marshall was born April 24, 1973, in Jackson, Missi ...

* Brian Martin *

Brian Mason Brian David Mason (born October 12, 1953) is a Canadian politician who was leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party from 2004 to 2014 and served the Minister of Transportation in Rachel Notley's NDP government. He also served as the Governme ...

Brian McBride Brian Robert McBride (born June 19, 1972) is an American former soccer player who played as a forward for Columbus Crew, Fulham and Chicago Fire. He is the fifth-highest all-time leading goalscorer for the United States national team. For mu ...

Brian McFadden Brian Nicholas McFadden (born 12 April 1980) is an Irish pop singer and television presenter who rose to fame in 1998 as a member of the Irish boy band Westlife. Following his departure from the group in 2004, McFadden released his debut solo ...

* Brian McLean * Brian Miller * Brian Moore *

Brian Moran Brian Joseph Moran (born September 9, 1959) is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He served as Virginia Secretary of Public Safety from 2014 to 2022, and was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1996 until 20 ...

Brian Mullins Brian Mullins (27 September 1954 – 30 September 2022) was an Irish Gaelic football Manager (Gaelic games), manager and player. He played football with his local club St Vincents GAA, St Vincent's and was a senior member of the Dublin county ...

Brian Murphy Brian Murphy may refer to: Sportspeople * Brian Murphy (Jamaican cricketer) (born 1973), Jamaican cricketer * Brian Murphy (Zimbabwean cricketer) (born 1976), Zimbabwean cricketer * Brian Murphy (baseball) (born 1980), American head baseball coach ...

Brian O'Halloran Brian Christopher O'Halloran (born December 20, 1969) is an American actor, producer, and podcaster best known for playing Dante Hicks in Kevin Smith's debut 1994 film ''Clerks'' and its 2006 and 2022 sequels ''Clerks II'' and ''Clerks III''. H ...

* Brian O'Neill *

Brian O'Sullivan Brian O'Sullivan (born 1990 in Ballygunner) is an Irish hurler who plays for both the Waterford Inter-county hurling team and the Ballygunner GAA club. Playing career Club O'Sullivan has played with Ballygunner since an early age. Inter-co ...

* Brian Plummer * Brian Reynolds * Brian Roberts * Brian Robertson *

Brian Savage Brian Arthur Savage (born February 24, 1971) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Fly ...

Brian Schmidt Brian Paul Schmidt (born 24 February 1967) is the Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU). He was previously a Distinguished Professor, Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and astrophysicist at the University's Mo ...

Brian Scott Brian Joseph Scott (born January 12, 1988) is an American former professional stock car racing driver. Racing career Beginnings Scott has been racing competitively since the age of 12. One of his early career highlights came at the 360 Nationals ...

Brian Shaw Brian Keith Shaw (born March 22, 1966) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He could play both guard positions, but wa ...

Brian Simmons Brian Eugene Simmons (born June 21, 1975) is a former American college and professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the University of North Caroli ...

* Brian Smith *

Brian Smyth Brian Smyth (born 1967) is an Irish figurative painter. Born in Cork, Smyth studied art at the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork, where he specialised in painting and graduated with an honours degree in art and design in 1995. Subsid ...

Brian Stack Brian Stack may refer to: * Brian Stack (comedian) (born 1967), American actor, comedian, and writer * Brian P. Stack (born 1966), New Jersey senator * Brian Stack (prison officer) (1935/36–1984), shot by the IRA See also * Brian Stock (born 19 ...

Brian Stafford Brian Stafford is an Irish former Gaelic footballer. He played for the Meath county team in the 1980s and early 1990s under the management of Sean Boylan. For Meath he usually played at full forward. He played club football for Kilmainhamwo ...

* Brian Stewart * Brian Sullivan *

Brian Thompson Brian Earl Thompson (born August 28, 1959) is an American actor. His career began with a small role in the 1984 film ''The Terminator''. He played the villainous "Night Slasher" in the 1986 film '' Cobra''. His first named role was on ''Werew ...

* Brian Thomson *

Brian Tucker Brian E. Tucker is a seismologist specializing in disaster prevention. He is also the founder of GeoHazards International (GHI), a non-profit dedicated to ending preventable death and suffering caused by natural disasters in the world’s most vu ...

* Brian Turner *

Brian Tyler Brian Theodore Tyler (born May 8, 1972) is an American composer, conductor, arranger, and record producer, best known for his film, television, and video game scores. In his 24-year career, Tyler has scored '' Transformers: Prime'', ''Eagle E ...

* Brian Walsh * Brian White *

Brian Williams Brian Douglas Williams (born May 5, 1959) is an American retired journalist and television news anchor. He was a reporter for ''NBC Nightly News'' starting in 1993, before his promotion to anchor and managing editor of the broadcast in 2004. ...

Brian Wilson Brian Douglas Wilson (born June 20, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys. Often called a genius for his novel approaches to pop composition, extraordinary musical aptitude, and m ...

Brian Wong Brian Wong (born April 14, 1991) is a Canadian Internet entrepreneur. In 2010, Wong co-founded Kiip (pronounced "keep"), a company offering a mobile app rewards platform through which computer game players would receive real-world rewards from b ...

* Brian Wood * Brian Wright *

Given name: individuals

Brian Ah Yat Brian Ah Yat (born November 12, 1975) is a former American football quarterback who played three seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He played college football at the University of Montana. He was also a member ...

(born 1975), American football player *

Brian Alderson Brian Alderson (5 May 1950 – 23 April 1997) was a Scottish footballer. He predominantly played as a winger, but was also able to play as a striker. Alderson, who was born in Dundee, began his career with local youth side Lochee Harp ...

(1950–1997), Scottish footballer *

Brian Aldiss Brian Wilson Aldiss (; 18 August 1925 – 19 August 2017) was an English writer, artist, and anthology editor, best known for science fiction novels and short stories. His byline reads either Brian W. Aldiss or simply Brian Aldiss, except for ...

(1925–2017), British author *

Brian Asamoah Brian Asamoah II (born March 29, 2000) is an American football inside linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oklahoma. High school career Asamoah was born to a Ghanaian family an ...

(born 2000), American football player *

Brian Austin Green Brian Austin Green (born Brian Green; July 15, 1973) is an American actor, rapper, television personality and podcaster, best known for his portrayal of David Silver on the television series ''Beverly Hills, 90210'' (1990–2000). Green was al ...

(born 1973), American actor and rapper *

Brian Bannister Brian Patrick Bannister (born February 28, 1981) is an American director of pitching for the San Francisco Giants. He is a former professional baseball starting pitcher who played for the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals of Major League Bas ...

(born 1981), American baseball player and coach *

Brian Bass Brian Michael Bass (born January 6, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and former pitching coach for the Stevenson University Mustangs in addition to offering private pitching instructions. He played for the Minnesota Twin ...

(born 1982), American former professional baseball player *

Brian Blessed Brian Blessed (; born 9 October 1936) is an English actor, presenter, writer and mountaineer. Blessed is known for portraying PC "Fancy" Smith in ''Z-Cars'', Augustus in the 1976 BBC television production of ''I, Claudius'', King Richard IV i ...

(born 1937), English actor *

Brian Boitano Brian Anthony Boitano (born October 22, 1963) is an American figure skater from Sunnyvale, California. He is the 1988 Olympic champion, the 1986 and 1988 World Champion, and the 1985–1988 U.S. National Champion. He turned professional foll ...

(born 1963), American figure skater *

Brian Bollinger Brian Reid Bollinger (born November 21, 1968) is a former American football offensive guard who played three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round ...

(born 1968), American football player *

Brian Bonsall Brian Eric Bonsall (born December 3, 1981) is an American rock musician, singer, guitarist and former child actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Andrew "Andy" Keaton, the youngest child on the NBC sitcom ''Family Ties'' from 1986 unt ...

(born 1981), American rock musician, singer, guitarist and former child actor *

(941–1014), Irish king who overthrew the centuries-long domination of the Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill *

Brian Broomell Brian Broomell (born June 26, 1958) is a former American football quarterback who played one season with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Temple University and attended Sterling High Scho ...

(born 1958), American football player *

Brian Clough Brian Howard Clough ( ; 21 March 1935 – 20 September 2004) was an English football player and manager, primarily known for his successes as a manager with Derby County and Nottingham Forest. He is one of four managers to have won the Englis ...

(1935–2004), British football manager *

Brian Cornell Brian C. Cornell (born 1958) is an American businessman. Cornell is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Target Corporation. He is also non-executive chairman of Yum! Brands. Early life Brian Cornell was born in 1958 in Queens, ...

, American businessman *

Brian Cowen Brian Bernard Cowen (born 10 January 1960) is an Irish former politician who served as Taoiseach and Leader of Fianna Fáil from 2008 to 2011. Cowen was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1984, for the constituency of Laois–Offaly and served in a ...

(born 1960), former

Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government, or prime minister, of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. The office is appointed by the president of Ireland upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann (the lower house of the Oireachtas, Ireland's national legisl ...

(Prime Minister) of the Republic of Ireland *

Brian de la Puente Brian Loomis de la Puente (born May 13, 1985) is a former American football center. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. De la Puente has also been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, ...

(born 1985), NFL football player *

Brian Dabul Brian Dabul (; born 24 February 1984) is an Argentine retired tennis player. He was ranked the No. 1 junior in the world in January 2002. His highest ranking in men's singles was No. 82 (9 March 2009), and his highest ranking in doubles was No. ...

(born 1984), Argentinian tennis player *

Brian De Palma Brian Russell De Palma (born September 11, 1940) is an American film director and screenwriter. With a career spanning over 50 years, he is best known for his work in the suspense, crime and psychological thriller genres. De Palma was a leading ...

(born 1940), American film director *

Brian Deneke On December 12, 1997, 19-year-old American punk subculture, punk musician Brian Theodore Deneke (March 9, 1978 – December 12, 1997) was killed in a deliberate hit and run (vehicular), hit and run attack in Amarillo, Texas, by 17-year-old Dusti ...

(1978–1997), American teenage punk musician *

Brian Dennehy Brian Manion Dennehy (; July 9, 1938 – April 15, 2020) was an American actor of stage, television, and film. He won two Tony Awards, an Olivier Award, and a Golden Globe, and received six Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Dennehy had roles in ...

(1938-2020), American actor * Brian Dowling (born 1978), Irish television presenter *

Brian Eno Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (; born Brian Peter George Eno, 15 May 1948) is a British musician, composer, record producer and visual artist best known for his contributions to ambient music and work in rock, pop an ...

(born 1948), English electronic musician, music theorist and record producer *

Brian Epstein Brian Samuel Epstein (; 19 September 1934 – 27 August 1967) was a British music entrepreneur who managed the Beatles from 1962 until his death in 1967. Epstein was born into a family of successful retailers in Liverpool, who put him i ...

(1934–1967), English businessperson, manager of The Beatles *

Brian Folkerts Brian Folkerts (born January 30, 1990) is an American football center for the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. He played college football at Washburn. Early years Brian was born the son of Tim and Margie Folkerts. He attended Hazelwood Central Hi ...

(born 1990), American football player *

Brian Gaine Brian Gaine is an American football executive who works as the assistant general manager for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He served as the general manager of the Houston Texans from 2018 to 2019. Gaine began his execut ...

, American football executive *

Brian Ginsberg Brian Ginsberg (born 1966) is an American former gymnast. He is a two-time US junior national gymnastics champion. He also won gold medals at both the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1987 Pan American Games while competing on United States men's ...

(born 1966), American former gymnast *

Brian Gottfried Brian Edward Gottfried (born January 27, 1952) is a retired American tennis player who won 25 singles titles and 54 doubles titles during his professional career. He was the runner-up in singles at the 1977 French Open, won the 1975 and 1977 Fren ...

(born 1952), American tennis player *

Brian Gowins Brian Gowins (born June 3, 1976) is a former American football placekicker who played eight seasons in the Arena Football League with the Grand Rapids Rampage, Las Vegas Gladiators and Orlando Predators. He played college football at Northwestern ...

(born 1976), American football player *

Brian Grazer Brian Thomas Grazer (born July 12, 1951) is an American film and television producer and writer. He founded Imagine Entertainment in 1986 with Ron Howard. The films they produced have grossed over $15 billion. Grazer was personally nominated fo ...

(born 1951), American Oscar-winning film and television producer *

Brian Gutekunst Brian Willis Gutekunst (born July 19, 1973) is an American football executive who is the general manager for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He joined the team in 1998 and served as a scout and assistant executive be ...

(born 1973), American football executive *

Brian Haley Brian Carlo Haley (born February 12, 1963) is an American actor and comedian. His stand-up act is characterized by playing his all-American looks against manic outbursts and absurd situations. As an actor, he may be best known for his roles as Vee ...

(born 1961), American actor and comedian *

Brian Horwitz Brian Jeffery Horwitz, nicknamed "The Rabbi", (born November 7, 1982) is an American former baseball outfielder who played for the San Francisco Giants in 2008, and won two minor league batting titles. Baseball career High school A native of San ...

(nicknamed "The Rabbi"; born 1982), American major league baseball outfielder *

Brian Hutton, Baron Hutton James Brian Edward Hutton, Baron Hutton, PC QC (29 June 1932 – 14 July 2020) was a British Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland and Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. Background Hutton was born in Belfast in 1932, the son of a railways ex ...

(1932–2020), British law lord and barrister *

Brian Joo Brian Joo (Korean name: Joo Min-gyu (); born January 10, 1981), better known professionally as Brian (), is a Korean American singer and one-half of the R&B duo Fly to the Sky. His first solo album, '' The Brian'' was released in December 200 ...

(born 1981), American-born Korean singer, former member of the R&B duo Fly to the Sky *

Brian Jossie Brian Bary Jossie (born February 2, 1978), better known by his ring name Abraham Washington (abbreviated A. W.), is an American professional wrestler and former professional wrestling manager. He is best known for his time in WWE. Professional wr ...

(born 1977), American professional wrestler performing under the ring name of ''Abraham Washington'' *

Brian Joubert Brian Joubert (; born 20 September 1984) is a French figure skating coach and former competitor. He is the 2007 World champion, a three-time (2004, 2007 & 2009) European champion, and the 2006–07 Grand Prix Final champion. On the domestic le ...

(born 1984), French figure skater and 2007 World Champion *

Brian Lara Brian Charles Lara, (born 2 May 1969) is a Trinidadian former international cricketer, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He topped the Test batting rankings on several occasions and holds several cricketing reco ...

(born 1969), former West Indian cricketer *

Brian Laudrup Brian Laudrup (, born 22 February 1969) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a winger, forward or as a midfielder, and was regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation. He currently works as a football com ...

(born 1969), former Danish international soccer player *

Brian Laundrie In August 2021, Gabby Petito, an American woman, was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, while they were traveling together on a van life journey across the United States. The trip began on July 2, 2021, and was planned to last four months; ...

(), American fugitive *

Brian Lewerke Brian Lewerke (born October 24, 1996) is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. He played college football at Michigan State University. Early years Lewerke attended Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona. During his career he ...

(born 1996), American football player *

Brian Limond Brian Limond (born 20 October 1974), known as Limmy, is a Scottish comedian, author, and Twitch streamer. While working as a website designer and Flash developer, Limmy began releasing comedy on his website and blog, Limmy.com, which conta ...

(born 1974), Scottish comedian *

Brian Littrell Brian Thomas Littrell (born February 20, 1975) is an American singer and a member of the Backstreet Boys. He is also a contemporary Christian music artist, and released the solo album '' Welcome Home'' in 2006. He is the father of country singer ...

(born 1975), member of the boy band, The Backstreet Boys *

Brian May Brian Harold May (born 19 July 1947) is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, and astrophysicist, who achieved worldwide fame as the lead guitarist of the rock band Queen (band), Queen. May was a co-founder of Queen with lead singer Fredd ...

(born 1947), guitarist, songwriter, founding member of the band Queen *

Brian McConaghy Brian McConaghy (born 1963) is the founder of Ratanak International and a former Canadian forensic scientist who left the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in order to dedicate all his energies to ending child abuse and human trafficking in C ...

(born 1950), Canadian forensic scientist *

Brian McKnight Brian Kelly McKnight (born June 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, radio host and multi-instrumentalist. He is most recognized for his strong head voice, high belting range and melisma. McKnight is known for h ...

(born 1969) American singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and R&B musician * Brian David Mitchell (born 1953), American criminal convicted of the

Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart Elizabeth Ann Smart was kidnapped at age fourteen on June 5, 2002, by Brian David Mitchell from her home in the Federal Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah. She was held captive by Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, on the outskirts ...

Brian Molko Brian Molko (born 10 December 1972) is a Belgian-born Scottish-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist of the band Placebo. He is known in particular for his distinctive nasal, high-pitche ...

(born 1972), lead vocalist of the band Placebo *

Brian Moorman Brian Donald Moorman (born February 5, 1976) is an American former football punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Pittsburg State University, and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free age ...

(born 1976), American football player for the Buffalo Bills *

Brian Mulroney Martin Brian Mulroney ( ; born March 20, 1939) is a Canadian lawyer, businessman, and politician who served as the 18th prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993. Born in the eastern Quebec city of Baie-Comeau, Mulroney studied political sci ...

(born 1939), former Canadian prime minister (1984–1993) *

Brian O'Driscoll Brian Gerard O'Driscoll (born 21 January 1979) is an Irish former professional rugby union player. He played at outside centre for the Irish provincial team Leinster and for Ireland. He captained Ireland from 2003 until 2012, and captained the ...

(born 1979), Irish rugby player *

Brian O'Keefe Brian O'Keefe (born 10 December 1956) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Footscray in the Victorian Football League The Victorian Football League (VFL) is an Australian rules football league in Australia servi ...

(born 1956), Australian rules footballer *

Brian O'Keefe (baseball) Brian James O'Keefe (born July 15, 1993) is an American professional baseball catcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 7th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut ...

, American baseball player *

Brian O'Keeffe Brian O'Keeffe (born 1977) is an Irish hurler who played as a right corner-forward for the Cork senior team. Born in Blackrock, Cork, O'Keeffe first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the ...

, Irish hurler *

Brian Orser Brian Ernest Orser, (born 18 December 1961) is a Canadian former competitive and professional figure skater and coach to Olympic champions. He is the 1984 and 1988 Olympic silver medallist, 1987 World champion and eight-time (1981–88) Can ...

(born 1961), Canadian figure skater *

Brian Paddick Brian Leonard Paddick, Baron Paddick (born 24 April 1958), is a British politician and retired police officer, currently sitting in the House of Lords as a life peer. He was the Liberal Democrat candidate for the London mayoral elections of 2 ...

(born 1958), British politician *

Brian Peaker Brian Ronald Peaker (born May 26, 1959 in London, Ontario) is a retired rower from Canada. He won the silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the Men's Lightweight Coxless Fours, alongside Jeffrey Lay Jeffrey M. Y Lay/Honorat (born October ...

(born 1959), Canadian rower *

Brian Peets Brian Canvin Peets (born July 15, 1956) is a former American football tight end who played three seasons in the National Football League with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at the University of the Pacif ...

(born 1956), American football player *

Brian Piccolo Louis Brian Piccolo (October 31, 1943 – June 16, 1970) was an American professional football player, a halfback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) for four years. He died at age 26 from embryonal cell carcinoma, an a ...

(1943–1970), American football player for the Chicago Bears and subject of TV movie ''

Brian's Song ''Brian's Song'' is a 1971 ABC Movie of the Week that recounts the life of Brian Piccolo (James Caan), a Chicago Bears football player stricken with terminal cancer after turning pro in 1965, told through his friendship with teammate Gale Sayers ...

'' *

Brian Randle Brian Charles Randle (born February 8, 1985) is an American assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns of the NBA. He played college basketball at the University of Illinois. He is a former professional basketball player. He was a three-time Israeli B ...

, American basketball player *

Brian Ransom (gridiron football) Brian Ransom (born July 9, 1960) is an American former gridiron football quarterback who played one season with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Ransom played college football at Tennessee State University and attend ...

(born 1960), American player of gridiron football *

Brian Retterer Brian Retterer (born 1972) is a retired United States, American swimmer specialising in freestyle swimming, freestyle and backstroke events. He swam under Skip Kenney and Ted Knapp while at Stanford, and prior swam at Reno Aquatic Club in Sparks, ...

(born 1972), American swimmer *

Brian Ross (journalist) Brian Elliot Ross (born October 23, 1948) is an American investigative journalist who served as the Chief Investigative Correspondent for ABC News until 2018. He reported for '' ABC World News Tonight with David Muir'', ''Nightline'', ''Good Morn ...

(born 1948), American investigative correspondent for ABC News *

Brian Savoy Brian Savoy (born January 13, 1992) is an Argentine-born Swiss professional basketball player. He currently plays for Union Neuchâtel Basket of Switzerland's Championnat LNA. He represented Switzerland‘s national basketball team at the EuroBa ...

(born 1992), Swiss basketball player *

Brian Schneider Brian Duncan Schneider (born November 26, 1976), nicknamed "Hoops", is an American former professional baseball catcher and coach, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Montreal Expos / Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and Philade ...

(born 1976), American baseball player *

Brian Serven Brian Nicholas Serven (born May 5, 1995) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). Serven was drafted by the Rockies in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2 ...

(born 1995), American baseball player *

Brian Sims Brian Kendall Sims (born September 16, 1978) is an American politician, activist and attorney. A Democrat, he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 182nd district from 2013 until 2022. Sims is also a lawyer and advocat ...

(born 1978), American politician, member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives *

Brian Snitker Brian Gerald Snitker (born October 17, 1955) is an American professional baseball coach and former player who is the manager of the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). Snitker has been in the Braves organization in different roles si ...

(born 1955), American baseball coach *

Brian Stelter Brian Patrick Stelter (born September 3, 1985) is an American journalist best known as the former chief media correspondent for CNN and host of the CNN program '' Reliable Sources'', roles he held from 2013 to 2022. Stelter is also a former medi ...

(born 1985), American journalist and television news correspondent *

Brian Stephney Brian Christopher Stephney (born 12 October 1983) is a West Indian cricketer. Stephney is a right-handed batsman who bowls leg break googly. He is Montserratian, but was born at Suddie in Guyana. Stephney played at Under-19 level for Guyana in ...

(born 1983), Montserratian cricketer *

Brian Sweeney Brian Edward Sweeney (born June 13, 1974) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who is currently the pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego P ...

(born 1974), American baseball player and coach *

Brian Sweeney (sailor) Brian Sweeney (born 27 March 1961) is a Canadian sailing (sport), sailor. He competed in the Sailing at the 1984 Summer Olympics – Tornado, Tornado event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. References External links

* 1961 births Living p ...

, Canadian sailor *

Brian Teacher Brian David Teacher (born December 23, 1954) is a former American professional male tennis player. He reached a career-high ranking World No. 7 in 1981. Teacher is best remembered for his singles championship at the Australian Open in 1980. Hi ...

(born 1952), American tennis player *

Brian Tucker (screenwriter) Brian Tucker is an American screenwriter and producer best known for his work on ''Broken City'' and ''Spawn''. Career Tucker gained notability from writing an unsolicited screenplay for ''Broken City'' (2013), which was bought by Mandate ...

, American film screenwriter *

(born 1972), American composer and musician *

Brian Urlacher Brian Urlacher (; born May 25, 1978) is an American former football linebacker who spent his entire 13-season career in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Bears. He played college football for the New Mexico Lobos, where he bec ...

(born 1978), American football player for the Chicago Bears *

Brian Viloria Brian Viloria (born November 24, 1980) is a retired American professional boxer of Filipino descent. He is a former unified WBA and WBO flyweight champion, as well as a former WBC and IBF light flyweight champion. His nickname of "The Hawaii ...

(born 1980), American boxer *Brian Warner (born 1969), American singer, better known by his stage name

Marilyn Manson Brian Hugh Warner (born January 5, 1969), known professionally as Marilyn Manson, is an American rock musician. He came to prominence as the lead singer of the band which shares his name, of which he remains the only constant member since it ...

Brian Wecht Brian Alexander Wecht, also known by his character name Ninja Brian, is an American musician, Internet personality and theoretical physicist. He is best known as a member of comedy musical duo Ninja Sex Party and video game-based comedy music t ...

(born 1975), composer/producer of musical comedy duo,

Ninja Sex Party Ninja Sex Party (often abbreviated as NSP) is an American musical comedy duo consisting of singer Dan Avidan and keyboardist Brian Wecht. They formed in 2009 in New York City and are currently based in Los Angeles. They are also known as two thi ...

Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft af ...

(born 1979), American football player for the Philadelphia Eagles *

(born 1959), anchor and managing editor of

NBC Nightly News ''NBC Nightly News'' (titled as ''NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt'' for its weeknight broadcasts since June 22, 2015) is the flagship daily evening News broadcasting#Television, television news program for NBC News, the news division of the NB ...

on the NBC Television Network

Fictional characters

Brian Griffin H. Brian Griffinas shown in Brian Griffin's House of Payne is a fictional character from the American animated television series ''Family Guy''. An anthropomorphic white labrador retriever voiced by Seth MacFarlane, he is one of the show's mai ...

on ''

Family Guy ''Family Guy'' is an American animated sitcom originally conceived and created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The show centers around the Griffin family, Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter Griff ...

'', voiced by

Seth MacFarlane Seth Woodbury MacFarlane (; born October 26, 1973) is an American actor, animator, filmmaker, comedian, and singer. He is the creator and star of the television series ''Family Guy'' (since 1999) and ''The Orville'' (since 2017), and co-creator ...

Brian Kinney Brian A. Kinney is a fictional character from the American/Canadian Showtime television series ''Queer as Folk'', a drama about the lives of a group of gay men and women living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The character was created by Ron Cowen a ...

on ''Queer as Folk'' (US), played by

Gale Harold Gale Morgan Harold III (born July 10, 1969) is an American actor, known for his leading and recurring roles on '' Queer as Folk'', '' Deadwood'', ''Desperate Housewives'', ''Grey's Anatomy'', ''The Secret Circle'' and '' Defiance''. He also starre ...

Brian O'Conner Brian O'Conner is a fictional character and one of the two main protagonists of the ''Fast & Furious'' franchise. He is portrayed by Paul Walker and first appeared on film, alongside the other protagonist Dominic Toretto, in ''The Fast and the Fu ...

in ''The Fast and the Furious'' series, played by

Paul Walker Paul William Walker IV (September 12, 1973 – November 30, 2013) was an American actor. He was known for his role as Brian O'Conner in the ''Fast & Furious'' franchise. Walker began his career as a child actor in the 1980s, gaining recogniti ...

* Brian Cohen, main protagonist of ''Monty Python's Life of Brian'', played by

Graham Chapman Graham Chapman (8 January 1941 – 4 October 1989) was a British actor, comedian and writer. He was one of the six members of the surreal comedy group Monty Python. He portrayed authority figures such as The Colonel and the lead role in two P ...

* Brian Green, from the British TV show ''Torchwood'' * Brian Johnson, main character in the 1985 film ''

The Breakfast Club ''The Breakfast Club'' is a 1985 American teen coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. It stars Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy. The film t ...

'' * Brian Doheny (commonly referred to as BrianD), main protagonist of ''

Video Game High School ''Video Game High School'' (often abbreviated ''VGHS'') is an American action comedy web series from RocketJump Studios. It was written by Matthew Arnold, Will Campos and Brian Firenzi and directed by Matthew Arnold, Brandon Laatsch, and Freddie ...

Media titles

Films and television shows which contain the name Brian include: * ''

'' (1971, 2001) * ''

Monty Python's Life of Brian ''Monty Python's Life of Brian'' (also known as ''Life of Brian'') is a 1979 British comedy film starring and written by the comedy group Monty Python (Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin). It wa ...

'' (1979) * ''

What About Brian ''What About Brian?'' is an American comedy-drama television series created by Dana Stevens and co-produced by J. J. Abrams' company Bad Robot Productions. The series premiered on April 16, 2006, on ABC, as a mid-season replacement and concluded ...

'', American TV series that began in 2006 * ''

Burying Brian ''Burying Brian'' is a New Zealand television miniseries produced by Eyeworks Touchdown which premiered on Television New Zealand's TVNZ 1, TV One on 2 July 2008, and ran for 6 episodes. The series is about Jodie and her three female friends. At ...

'', mini New Zealand TV series

References

{{given name, type=both English-language masculine given names Irish-language masculine given names English masculine given names Surnames of Irish origin French-language surnames