About the name
- Origin
- Irish
- English version
- Brian, Bryan, Bryant
- Variants
- Brían, Bryan
- Stronghold region
- Munster
Overview
Borne by Brian Boru (Brian Bóruma), High King of Ireland who defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014; one of the most celebrated names in Irish history.
The story behind Brian
Brian Boru rose from the small Dál gCais kingdom in Clare to become High King of Ireland in 1002; his coalition defeated the Dublin Norse and their Leinster allies at Clontarf on Good Friday 1014, where he was killed in his tent at the moment of victory.
Mythology & legend
Non-mythological; the most famous High King of Ireland.
Did you know?
Brian Boru's victory at Clontarf in 1014 broke Norse power in Ireland — though he died in the battle.
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