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Brian - What does it mean?

Definition of 'Brian'

English

Alternative forms

* Bryan * Bryon

Proper noun

(en-proper noun)
  • .
  • * 1865 Charlotte Eliza L. Riddell: Maxwell Drewitt . Tinsley Brothers, London 1865. page 255-256:
  • "What the deuce is their fancy for calling the young beggar Brian'?" he inquired."Is it ' Brian Boroimhe they have gone back to, or is it some of her people, or what?"
    "There was a good Drewitt once," answered Wilhelmina, "- - - and his name was Brian'. - - - And Nannie told her, too, how a child always strains after the person it is called after, and how luck follows names, and worked her up to such a pit finally, that nothing would do her but the young gentleman must be called '''Brian''' and accordingly '''Brian''' he is - ' Brian Archibald. It is not an easy name to make fun out of; so all I can do is to call him Brin Baldy.
  • * 2008 Phill Young: FarArc . Author House 2008. ISBN 1434378365 page 145:
  • Why oh why had his parents even considered Brian'? '''Brian''' is someone who works in a hardware shop or fixes the U bend. What chance did Sir Lovesdaslutalot have in life with a name like '''Brian'''? You can't even shorten ' Brian to Bri without it sounding like a kind of cheese!

    Usage notes

    After the Middle Ages, mostly used in Ireland; and again popular in all English-speaking countries in the 20th century.

    Anagrams

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