Brian is a male forename of CelticIrish origin. Its original meaning is not known for certain but it is possibly related to the Old Celtic element bre, meaning hill, or by extension high and/or noble.[1]
One of the earliest persons to bring fame to this name was Brian Boru, an ancient Irish high king who thwarted Viking attempts to conquer Ireland in the 11th century. His army was victorious in the Battle of Clontarf, but he himself was slain. The Irish O'Brien clan, one of the most common surnames in Ireland, takes their name from him.
Variants of the name include Briant, Brien, Brion, Bryan, Bryant, and Bryon.[2]
Some famous people and characters known as Brian include:
Brian Wilson (b.1942), member of American music group, The Beach Boys
Fictional and legendary
Brian, the nephew of Cadwallon, was a legendary 7th century British lord who wanted to see Briton rule restored; according to the account of Geoffrey of Monmouth, Brian killed the magician ally of the Saxon King Edwin while disguised as a monk.
Brian Bedonde, a fictional character on the television series Fonejacker
Brian Griffin, fictional cartoon dog on the television series Family Guy
Brian Johnson, a fictional character in the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, played by Anthony Michael Hall
Brian Krakow, a fictional character on the television series My So-Called Life,played by Devon Gummersall
Brian Kinney, a fictional character on the television series Queer as Folk, played by Gale Harold.
Other uses
Some films and television shows which contain the name Brian include:
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