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Brandon Boy

Popularity: #219 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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)

StateBirthsShare
TX 212
14%
CA 202
14%
FL 122
8%
NY 84
6%
GA 66
5%
TN 49
3%
OH 45
3%
MI 45
3%
IL 45
3%
VA 40
3%
LA 39
3%
AL 39
3%
NC 38
3%
AZ 36
2%
SC 36
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
191411
191512
191616
19179
191815
191911
19209
19219
192214
192316
192412
19259
192617
192717
19289
192913
193012
193112
19329
193312
19346
19359
193612
19377
19387
194010
194110
194210
194317
194418
194510
19469
194731
194835
194942
195054
195150
195276
1953113
1954162
1955104
1956168
1957131
1958132
1959186
1960186
1961193
1962194
1963259
1964304
1965395
1966397
1967483
1968759
19691,107
19702,544
19713,262
19724,625
19735,066
19745,859
19757,089
19767,790
19778,272
19789,241
197911,302
198014,162
198120,205
198220,215
198323,516
198425,671
198529,307
198627,253
198724,823
198823,744
198923,310
199022,162
199126,022
199229,627
199328,735
199429,490
199526,904
199625,847
199725,196
199823,830
199921,602
200020,337
200117,892
200216,281
200315,245
200414,135
200512,946
200612,686
200712,145
200811,481
20099,847
20108,548
20117,820
20127,039
20136,234
20145,856
20155,126
20164,101
20173,497
20183,210
20192,685
20202,312
20212,134
20221,774
20231,664
20241,553