Meaning uncertain, possibly related to the old Celtic root * brixs "hill, high" (Old Irish brií) or the related * brigā "might, power" (Old Irish briíg). 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 ...
