Declining since 2015, #1,222 for boys today.
Popularity of Branson since 1912
Babies named Branson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 36 |
| 1920s | 54 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 48 |
| 1960s | 46 |
| 1970s | 132 |
| 1980s | 306 |
| 1990s | 1,031 |
| 2000s | 1,927 |
| 2010s | 3,279 |
| 2020s | 1,282 |
Meaning & origin
Branson is an English patronymic surname turned given name, meaning 'son of Brand'. It has been in use as a first name since the early 20th century, first recorded in 1912. The name saw a notable rise in popularity during the 2010s, ranking as high as 1222 in 2025 with a 1-in-10,352 birth rate. However, it has been on a declining trajectory since its peak in 2014. Geographically, Branson has been most common in West Virginia, Mississippi, and Kentucky, reflecting a preference in the southern United States. The name's style aligns with the trend of surname-inspired first names, such as Brady and Tyler, and it remains a recognizable but uncommon choice.
Branson is an English patronymic surname derived from the medieval given name Brand, itself from Old Norse brandr meaning 'sword' or 'fire'. The surname was later adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States, rising in popularity during the late 20th century.
Where Branson is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bran, Sonny
Sibling names for Branson
Names that share Branson's style, for a brother or sister.
