Brandon Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationBRAN-dən / /ˈbrændən/English; Irish
Meaning
English: 'Broom hill'; Irish: 'Descendant of Brán'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Brandon has its roots in Old English, deriving from the elements "brom" meaning "broom" and "dun" meaning "hill" or "fortress." The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where it appeared as "Brandon" or "Brandonne." This name likely referred to a location characterized by broom plants growing on a hill, and it was used as a surname before evolving into a given name. The transition into English usage occurred as the language developed through the Norman Conquest and the subsequent blending of Old English with Norman French influences, which enriched the lexicon and naming conventions of the time.
Historically, the name Brandon has been associated with several notable figures and places. One significant milestone is the use of the name in the 12th century, when it was recorded in various forms in England, often linked to geographical locations such as Brandon in Suffolk. The name also appears in the context of English nobility, with several historical figures bearing the name, including Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, who was a prominent figure during the Tudor period in the 16th century. Additionally, the name has biblical connections through the use of similar-sounding names in translations of the Bible, although it does not appear directly in canonical texts.
Culturally, Brandon has resonated through various traditions and literary works, often symbolizing strength and resilience due to its etymological roots. The name has been embraced in various forms of art and literature, reflecting themes of nobility and valor. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as "Bran" have emerged, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. Overall, Brandon's historical significance and linguistic heritage contribute to its enduring presence in English-speaking cultures.
Trend Summary
Brandon was most popular in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States.
Similar Names
Variants
- Brandon
- Bran
International Variants
- Brando (Italian)
- Brendan (Irish)
Famous people named Brandon
Brandon Lee was an actor best known for The Crow, Rapid Fire, and Showdown in Little Tokyo.
Brandon Sanderson is an author best known for Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, and Elantris.
Brandon Tanev is a professional ice hockey player best known for playing with the Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets.
Brandon Ingram is a professional basketball player best known for playing with the New Orleans Pelicans and being an NBA All-Star.
Brandon Marshall is a former professional football player best known for playing with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears.
Fictional characters named Brandon
Brandon Stark is a fictional character from the book series A Song of Ice and Fire and its television adaptation Game of Thrones. He is a key figure in the Stark family, known for his tragic fate and the impact it has on the overarching narrative.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Brandon was first seen in the United States in 1914. Brandon has ranked as high as #8 nationally, which occurred in 1992, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Brandon has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Brandon (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 212 | |
CA | 202 | |
FL | 122 | |
NY | 84 | |
GA | 66 | |
TN | 49 | |
OH | 45 | |
MI | 45 | |
IL | 45 | |
VA | 40 | |
LA | 39 | |
AL | 39 | |
NC | 38 | |
AZ | 36 | |
SC | 36 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1914 | 11 |
1915 | 12 |
1916 | 16 |
1917 | 9 |
1918 | 15 |
1919 | 11 |
1920 | 9 |
1921 | 9 |
1922 | 14 |
1923 | 16 |
1924 | 12 |
1925 | 9 |
1926 | 17 |
1927 | 17 |
1928 | 9 |
1929 | 13 |
1930 | 12 |
1931 | 12 |
1932 | 9 |
1933 | 12 |
1934 | 6 |
1935 | 9 |
1936 | 12 |
1937 | 7 |
1938 | 7 |
1940 | 10 |
1941 | 10 |
1942 | 10 |
1943 | 17 |
1944 | 18 |
1945 | 10 |
1946 | 9 |
1947 | 31 |
1948 | 35 |
1949 | 42 |
1950 | 54 |
1951 | 50 |
1952 | 76 |
1953 | 113 |
1954 | 162 |
1955 | 104 |
1956 | 168 |
1957 | 131 |
1958 | 132 |
1959 | 186 |
1960 | 186 |
1961 | 193 |
1962 | 194 |
1963 | 259 |
1964 | 304 |
1965 | 395 |
1966 | 397 |
1967 | 483 |
1968 | 759 |
1969 | 1,107 |
1970 | 2,544 |
1971 | 3,262 |
1972 | 4,625 |
1973 | 5,066 |
1974 | 5,859 |
1975 | 7,089 |
1976 | 7,790 |
1977 | 8,272 |
1978 | 9,241 |
1979 | 11,302 |
1980 | 14,162 |
1981 | 20,205 |
1982 | 20,215 |
1983 | 23,516 |
1984 | 25,671 |
1985 | 29,307 |
1986 | 27,253 |
1987 | 24,823 |
1988 | 23,744 |
1989 | 23,310 |
1990 | 22,162 |
1991 | 26,022 |
1992 | 29,627 |
1993 | 28,735 |
1994 | 29,490 |
1995 | 26,904 |
1996 | 25,847 |
1997 | 25,196 |
1998 | 23,830 |
1999 | 21,602 |
2000 | 20,337 |
2001 | 17,892 |
2002 | 16,281 |
2003 | 15,245 |
2004 | 14,135 |
2005 | 12,946 |
2006 | 12,686 |
2007 | 12,145 |
2008 | 11,481 |
2009 | 9,847 |
2010 | 8,548 |
2011 | 7,820 |
2012 | 7,039 |
2013 | 6,234 |
2014 | 5,856 |
2015 | 5,126 |
2016 | 4,101 |
2017 | 3,497 |
2018 | 3,210 |
2019 | 2,685 |
2020 | 2,312 |
2021 | 2,134 |
2022 | 1,774 |
2023 | 1,664 |
2024 | 1,553 |