Brendan
Meaning: Broom hill or sword
Origin: Old English/Celtic
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #74
Total births: 7,941
History: Brendan peaked in the 1980s in Australia, reflecting the country's Irish heritage. Brendan Fevola was one of AFL's most colorful characters. The name carries an Irish-Australian spirit — passionate, sometimes controversial, always memorable.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2004) | #92 |
| Babies named Brendan in 2004 | 98 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 7,941 |
| Peak year | 1985 (435 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #25 |
| Years in records | 1965–2004 (40 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 25 spots |
Frequently asked about Brendan
What does the name Brendan mean?
Brendan means “Broom hill or sword” from Old English/Celtic roots.
What is the origin of the name Brendan?
Brendan has Old English/Celtic origin. The traditional meaning is “Broom hill or sword”.
How popular is Brendan in Australia?
Brendan ranked #92 in Australia in 2004 — given to 98 babies that year.
When was Brendan most popular?
Brendan peaked in 1985 with 435 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Brendan a boy or girl name?
Brendan is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Brendans in registered births are male.
Is the name Brendan rising or falling in popularity?
Brendan has fallen 25 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #67 in 1999 to #92 in 2004.
How long has Brendan been recorded in Australia?
Brendan appears in birth records in Australia across 40 years — from 1965 through 2004.