Bran Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: bran //bræn//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: 'raven'; English: 'broom' or 'bramble'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Bran has its roots in Old Welsh, derived from the word "bran," meaning "raven." This etymology reflects the significance of the raven in Celtic mythology, where it is often associated with prophecy and the otherworldly. The name is also linked to the Proto-Celtic *brano, which carries similar meanings related to birds, particularly those of dark plumage.
The transition into English occurred through the influence of Welsh culture and language, particularly during the medieval period when the Anglo-Normans interacted with the Celtic peoples of Britain. Historically, Bran is notable in Welsh legend, particularly in the tale of Bran the Blessed, a giant and king who appears in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales.
This narrative, dating back to the 12th century, showcases Bran's role as a protector and a figure of great wisdom, further embedding the name in the cultural consciousness of Wales. The story of Bran also intertwines with themes of sacrifice and the supernatural, reflecting the complex interplay of human and divine in Celtic lore.
The name Bran has also made its mark in various forms of literature and folklore, symbolizing strength and protection. In addition to its mythological roots, the name has been associated with various historical figures, including saints and warriors, which has contributed to its enduring presence in cultural narratives.
The diminutive form "Branwen" is also notable, particularly in the context of the same mythological tales, where it signifies beauty and grace, complementing the more robust connotations of the name Bran itself. Overall, the name Bran carries with it a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance that has persisted through the ages.
Famous people named Bran
In this section, you will find notable people named Bran. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Bran who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Bran who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Bran Stark is a fictional character best known for his role in the television series Game of Thrones and the book series A Song of Ice and Fire.
Bran Ferren is an inventor and entrepreneur best known for his work in the fields of entertainment technology and special effects.
Fictional characters named Bran
The following list of fictional characters named Bran is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Bran Stark is a fictional character from the book series A Song of Ice and Fire and the television series Game of Thrones. He is a key figure in the struggle for power in Westeros, known for his ability to see into the past and future through his mystical powers.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Bran, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Bran. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Bran was first seen in the United States in 1970.
Bran has ranked as high as #12896 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Bran has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Bran is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Bran was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Bran.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 | 7 |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 |
| 2021 | 14 | 14 |
| 2019 | 8 | 8 |
| 2018 | 8 | 8 |
| 2017 | 11 | 11 |
| 2016 | 13 | 13 |
| 2015 | 12 | 12 |
| 2014 | 7 | 7 |
| 2013 | 12 | 12 |
| 2012 | 10 | 10 |
| 2011 | 7 | 7 |
| 2010 | 5 | 5 |
| 2007 | 6 | 6 |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 |
| 2001 | 7 | 7 |
| 2000 | 5 | 5 |
| 1988 | 5 | 5 |
| 1987 | 7 | 7 |
| 1986 | 5 | 5 |
| 1981 | 6 | 6 |
| 1978 | 9 | 9 |
| 1977 | 6 | 6 |
| 1976 | 8 | 8 |
| 1975 | 5 | 5 |
| 1974 | 7 | 7 |
| 1973 | 10 | 10 |
| 1972 | 11 | 11 |
| 1970 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Bran
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
No state data available for this year.