Brian

Brian is an English and Irish given name derived from the Old Irish name Brían, the origin of which is debated but most likely comes from a Celtic root meaning high or noble, possibly related to the Old Celtic element *brigo- meaning hill or height. The name was borne most famously by Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland who defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, which helped cement the name's lasting popularity throughout Ireland and the Irish diaspora. It spread widely into English use through Irish immigration and cultural influence. Variant forms and cognates include Brien, Bryan, and the Old Breton equivalent Brient.