Brandon: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Brandon mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Old English: Hill covered with broom; fiery hill
Celtic: Prince or brave ruler

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Brandon is pronounced bran-dun

The name Brandon has Anglo-Saxon roots, originating from the Old English "brom," meaning broom (a type of shrub), and "dun," meaning hill. It was originally used as a surname, denoting someone who lived near a hill covered with broom. Over time, Brandon has evolved into a popular first name, often associated with strength and leadership.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: habitational name from any of various places called Brandon, in County Durham, Northumbria, Norfolk, Suffolk, Warwickshire, and elsewhere. Most are named with Old English brōm meaning "broom", "gorse" + dūn meaning "hill." One in Lincolnshire, however, may be named with the Brant river, on which it stands; Ekwall derives the river name from Old English brant "steep", presumably with reference to its steep banks.

Irish (Kerry): Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Breandáin, meaning "son of Breandán."

French: from the Old French oblique case of the personal name Brand, of Germanic origin (see Brand 1).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Brandon in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Brandon Walsh from Beverly Hills, 90210 - A prominent character in the show, Brandon is known for his strong sense of morality and leadership qualities.
Brandon Stark from Game of Thrones - Also known as Bran, he is one of the Stark siblings with mystical abilities and a significant role in the series.
Brandon Heat from Gungrave - The main protagonist of this anime, Brandon is a skilled assassin who grapples with loyalty and betrayal.
Brandon James from Scream: The TV Series - Brandon is a character whose tragic past and mysterious persona play a central role in the show's plot.
Brandon Routh in Superman Returns - Portrayed by actor Brandon Routh, this version of Superman continues the legacy of the iconic superhero.

Popularity of the Name Brandon

According to Social Security Administration data, Brandon has been a moderately popular name in the United States. Although its popularity has fluctuated over the years, it saw a significant spike in the 1990s and early 2000s, often ranking within the top 20 names for boys during that period.

Historical figures named Brandon include Brandon Lee, the actor and martial artist who was the son of Bruce Lee, and Brandon Flowers, the lead singer of the band The Killers. In literature and media, Brandon Walsh from the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210 and Brandon Stark from Game of Thrones are notable fictional characters. The name Brandon has maintained a presence in popular culture through these figures and continues to be chosen by parents for its strong and classic appeal.