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Brennan, Brennan, Brannan, Branan, Braniff, Brannen, Brannie, Breanon, Breennan, Brennen, Brennon, Brenon, Brinane, O'Braonain, MacBrannan, MacBranain Motto - Under this sign we shall conquer Brennan is 28th iun the top one hundred Irish names. It is believed to come from the Irish 'braon'. The Irish was 'braon' has several meanings, tow of which are 'sorrow' or 'sadness'. It is believed to have given rise to four Septs which are not related. They began in Ossory, East County Galway, County Kerry and County Westmeath. The Ossory group is predominant. MacBranain was a chief in a palce called Corcachlann in East County Roscommon. several chiefs of this name appear in The Annals of the Four Masters between 1158 and 1488. Most kept the 'Mac' prefix until the Gaelic order was suppressed in the 17th Century although some of this group used the 'O' prefix instread. This form occured as early as 1360. In Coiunty Roscommon, COUnty Sligo and County Mayo today most families call themselves MacBrennan or MacBrannan. Another Sept was the Irish name of MacBranain had thie name anglicised to Brennan abd Brnnan. There is also a varient MacBrannan. This groups of names occurs in the Ulster County of Fermanagh. The main Sept of O'Brennans came from Ossory - a territory in the Ui Duach (Odough) area in the North of County Kilkenny. As the incoming English gained power in the Leinster Province, the O'Brennans lost their power and many forfeited their lands. By the 17th Century, several had become rapparees. Several bands of tories in Leinster were led by Brennans. In the 18th Century, James Freney, an intrepid highwayman, was taught his 'trade' by a Brennan!