Brian (sometimes spelled Bryan in English) is a male given name of Irish and Breton origin, [1] as well as a surname of Occitan origin. [2] It is common in the English-speaking world.
It was borne by the Irish king Brian Boru, who thwarted Viking attempts to conquer Ireland in the 11th century. He was slain in the Battle of Clontarf, though his forces were decisively victorious. This name was common in Ireland after his time, and it was introduced to northern England by Norse-Gael settlers.