National Brendan Day is celebrated on February 2 each year. The name Brendan, primarily a male name, has its roots in Ireland and means ‘prince.’ Initially, it was a Welsh name. According to Irish folklore, Brendan the Voyager was possibly the first European to set foot in America, making his name synonymous with the continent for many years, especially in the 1990s. Brendan first appeared in the American name charts in 1941 and was particularly favored among Irish-American boys. At times, the name is confused with Brandon, an English surname.
The History of National Brendan Day
The name Brendan is an English-language name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Breandán, which traces back to the Old Irish name Brénainn. This name comes from the Old Welsh ‘breenhin,’ meaning ‘prince’ or ‘king.’ The medieval Latin form of the name, Brendanus, has influenced its modern English and Irish spellings. Variants of the name include Brendon and Brenden. In some cases, Brandon may be considered a variation of Brendan, while Breanndán is a different spelling of the Irish version. Brendan is an anglicized form of the Irish Breandán, which is derived from the Old Irish Brénainn. The Welsh word ‘breenhin,’ meaning ‘prince,’ was borrowed to create this Old Irish name. The modern forms, ‘Brendanus’ and ‘Breandán,’ originate from the Latin Brendanus. According to ancient Irish sources, there are 17 saints named Brendan. In Irish sentences, it can appear as Bhreandán. Brendan and Brenda are not etymologically linked; Brenda is believed to originate from the Old Norse element ‘brand,’ which means “flame sword.” Brandon, typically a masculine name, comes from the surname Brandon, derived from two Old English roots.
Timeline of National Brendan Day
- 484 A.D.: Brendan of Clonfert, an early Irish monastic saint and one of Ireland’s Twelve Apostles, is born.
- 1941: The name Brendan is formally registered in the United States.
- 1990s: Brendan the Voyager, reputedly the first European to reach American land, sees a peak in the popularity of his name.
- 2008: Brendan appears among the ‘top 100 American baby names.’
Fun Facts About the Name Brendan
- The 717th Position: Brendan was the 717th most common name for boys in the U.S.
- Babies Named Brendan: One in every 342 newborn boys in 2020 was named Brendan.
- 36,868 People Named Brendan: Approximately 36,868 individuals have the name Brendan in the U.S.
- Less Than 20: For every 100,000 Americans, 12 are named Brendan.
- Mostly a First Name: Brendan is used as a first name 99% of the time.
Why We Appreciate National Brendan Day
- Rich History: The name Brendan boasts a history dating back to 484 A.D. with roots in Irish monastic tradition.
- Celebrates Individuality: National Brendan Day focuses on making people feel special by acknowledging individuals who share this name, regardless of nationality, religion, or age.
- Less Pressure Than Birthdays: Unlike birthdays, which bring the stress of aging and party planning, name days offer a relaxed opportunity for self-indulgence without obligations.
You can explore more about special days and their significance on https://findnomore.net.
What is the date of National Brendan Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
National Brendan Day 2024 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2024 | Friday | 0 days |
National Brendan Day 2025 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2025 | Sunday | 0 days |
National Brendan Day 2026 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2026 | Monday | 289 days |
National Brendan Day 2027 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2027 | Tuesday | 654 days |
National Brendan Day 2028 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2028 | Wednesday | 1019 days |
National Brendan Day 2029 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2029 | Friday | 1385 days |
National Brendan Day 2030 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2030 | Saturday | 1750 days |
National Brendan Day 2031 | Day 2 Month 2 Year 2031 | Sunday | 2115 days |