Brandon is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "brand", which means "sword" or "fire". The name Brandon was originally given to people who lived near a wide, burning flame or sword blade. Over time, the name evolved and became associated with the location rather than the element.
The name Brandon has been used for centuries in England and has appeared in various forms throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a surname for people who came from the town of Brandon in Suffolk. The name also appears in early English literature, such as in the 14th-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", where one of the characters is named Sir Berrand.
In the modern era, the name Brandon has become increasingly popular as a given name for boys. It reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, and it remains a common choice today. Some notable people with the name Brandon include actors Brandon Lee (the son of Bruce Lee) and Brandon Routh, as well as former US President Brandon Sanderson.
Overall, the name Brandon is a strong and distinctive choice that carries a rich history dating back to medieval England. Its meaning adds an element of power and intensity, making it a popular option for parents looking for a memorable name for their son.
The name Brandon has been quite popular in the United States over the past century, with its popularity peaking in the late 20th century.
Between 1914 and 1928, the number of babies named Brandon remained relatively low, ranging from 6 to 17 births per year. However, starting in 1929, the name began to gain traction, with 12 or more births each year until 1936.
The real surge in popularity for the name Brandon came in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1947, there were 31 births, followed by 35 in 1948 and a significant jump to 42 in 1949. This trend continued throughout the 1950s, with Brandon becoming one of the most popular names for boys.
By the 1960s, Brandon had become extremely popular, with over 300 births each year from 1963 onwards. The peak in popularity came in 1979, when there were a staggering 14,163 births of babies named Brandon.
However, after this high point, the popularity of the name began to decline. By 2015, there had been a significant drop in the number of babies named Brandon, with only 4,100 births recorded that year. This downward trend continued, with just over 2,000 births each year between 2016 and 2023.
In total, there have been 767,558 births of babies named Brandon in the United States since records began. Despite its decline in popularity in recent years, Brandon remains a well-loved name with a rich history of usage across different decades and generations.