Log in · Sign up

Branson Boy

Popularity: #731 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationBRAN-suhn / /ˈbræn.sən/

English; Old English

Meaning

Son of Brand; hill covered with broom

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Branson has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "brom" meaning "broom" (a type of shrub) and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This etymological composition suggests a meaning akin to "broom settlement." The name evolved through various forms, with the earliest instances appearing in medieval England, where surnames began to emerge as identifiers of lineage and land ownership. The transition from a surname to a given name occurred in the 19th century, reflecting a broader trend of using surnames as first names during this period.

Historically, the name Branson can be traced back to the 12th century, with its earliest recorded instances found in English documents. Notably, the surname was borne by several notable figures, including individuals in the English gentry. The name gained further recognition through its association with geographical locations in England, such as Bransons in Lincolnshire, which contributed to its identity as a place-based surname. The use of Branson as a first name became more pronounced in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Culturally, the name Branson has been associated with themes of heritage and land, reflecting the agrarian roots of many English surnames. The name's connection to nature, through the "broom" element, evokes a sense of the pastoral and the rural landscape of England. Additionally, the name has been linked to various cultural references, including the famous entertainment hub of Branson, Missouri, which, while not directly related to the name's origins, has contributed to its contemporary resonance. The diminutive form "Bran" may also be noted, though its usage is less common historically. Overall, Branson embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural history.

Trend Summary

Branson has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a boy's name in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Bran
  • Branston

International Variants

Famous people named Branson

Fictional characters named Branson

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Branson was first seen in the United States in 1912. Branson has ranked as high as #1021 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, and California. In the past 5 years the name Branson has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Branson (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 24
16%
OH 21
14%
AL 12
8%
IN 10
7%
KY 10
7%
LA 10
7%
TN 9
6%
CA 8
5%
FL 7
5%
MS 7
5%
PA 6
4%
GA 6
4%
NC 6
4%
VA 5
3%
WA 5
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19127
19147
19159
19188
19195
19207
19219
19237
19257
19268
192710
19296
19305
19316
19328
19339
19355
19375
19396
19405
19448
19455
19465
19476
19486
19496
19509
19515
19525
19539
19557
19576
19587
19608
19615
19627
19635
19647
19656
19688
19707
197113
19726
197412
197510
197616
197717
197818
197933
198020
198132
198229
198326
198434
198533
198627
198732
198831
198942
199036
199142
199245
199391
199499
1995126
1996125
1997159
1998151
1999157
2000152
2001151
2002151
2003155
2004177
2005180
2006227
2007217
2008244
2009273
2010248
2011310
2012343
2013355
2014377
2015363
2016368
2017332
2018302
2019281
2020258
2021244
2022222
2023197
2024194