Brandon
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Broom hill or sword
Origin: Old English/Celtic
Popularity: Ranked #261 in 2025 with 1,326 babies born.
History: Brandon is derived from the Old English place name meaning broom-covered hill, from 'brom' (broom plant) and 'dun' (hill). It may also be related to the Celtic name Bréanainn, meaning prince or sword. It became popular as a given name in the United States during the mid-20th century and was one of the most common boys' names of the 1980s and 1990s.
Famous people named Brandon: Brandon Lee (actor), Brandon Sanderson (author)
Name length: 7 letters
How common is Brandon? About 1 in 2,510 babies born in 2025 were named Brandon, or roughly 3.6 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Brandon
What does the name Brandon mean?
Brandon means “Broom hill or sword” from Old English/Celtic roots.
What is the origin of the name Brandon?
Brandon has Old English/Celtic origin. The traditional meaning is “Broom hill or sword”.
How popular is Brandon?
Brandon ranked #261 in 2025 — given to 1,326 babies that year.
When was Brandon most popular?
Brandon peaked in 1992 with 29,627 babies registered that year.
Is Brandon a boy or girl name?
Brandon is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Brandons in registered births are male.
Is the name Brandon rising or falling in popularity?
Brandon has fallen 96 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #165 in 2020 to #261 in 2025.
How long has Brandon been recorded?
Brandon appears in birth records across 111 years — from 1914 through 2025.