Quick answer
Brian is a boy name meaning "hill, high; might, power".
Pronunciation: English /ˈbɹaɪ.ən/; Irish /ˈbʲɾʲiənˠ/.
Meaning and history
Meaning uncertain, possibly related to the old Celtic root * brixs "hill, high" (Old Irish brí ) or the related * brigā "might, power" (Old Irish bríg ). 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. It was also used in Brittany, and was brought to England by Bretons in the wake of the Norman Conquest. Though it eventually became rare in the English-speaking world, it was strongly revived in the 20th century, becoming a top-ten name for boys in most regions.
Notes and context
Usage: english, irish, old irish