Brandan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Bran" which means "raven." The name has a rich history and cultural significance in Ireland.
The most notable figure associated with the name Brandan is Saint Brendan the Navigator, who was an Irish monk and explorer during the Middle Ages. According to legend, he set sail from Ireland in search of the mythical island of the Blessed, which he believed lay beyond the Atlantic Ocean. His voyages are said to have taken him as far north as Iceland and as far south as North America.
The name Brandan has been popular among the Irish for centuries, and it is often associated with strength, wisdom, and adventure. It was also a common name among early Celtic kings and warriors. Today, Brandan remains a beloved name in Ireland and beyond, carrying with it the spirit of exploration and discovery that characterized Saint Brendan's voyages.
The data provided shows the annual number of births with the name Brandan in the United States between 1974 and 1989. Over this 16-year period, there were a total of 96 babies named Brandan.
The name's popularity fluctuated during these years, with peaks occurring in certain decades:
* In the mid-1970s (1974 to 1977), there was an average of 8 births per year.
* The late 1970s and early 1980s (1978 to 1982) saw a dip in popularity, with an average of just over 6 births per year.
* The mid-1980s (1985 to 1988) experienced another surge in popularity, with an average of nearly 9 births per year.
It's interesting to note that the name Brandan was consistently popular throughout this period, with no years recorded having zero births. This indicates that while its popularity varied over time, there was a steady demand for this particular name among parents across these two decades.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how naming trends can change and evolve over time, reflecting the unique choices made by parents during different eras. Despite fluctuations in popularity, Brandan remained a recognizable choice among American baby names throughout the late 20th century.