Bran

“raven”

Wales origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9880US 2023

7Births / yr

↑Rising

200All-time births

📅 Since 197000

How to pronounce Bran

BRAN

/ˈbræn/ · stress on BRAN · 1 syllable

“raven”

Wales origin · Boy name

What does Bran mean and where does it come from?

Bran is of Welsh origin, deriving from the word 'bran' which means 'raven'. The name has notable associations in Irish mythology as one of the legendary figures, Bran the Blessed, who was a giant and warrior. Its first recorded usage dates back to the medieval period in Wales and Ireland, where rave

Cultural significance

Bran has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Wales-speaking communities, where it reflects values of raven.

Peak popularity

Reached #3143 in 1972 — currently #9880 in the US.

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How else can you spell Bran?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Brann

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Bran?

Bran works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Bran Grace

How popular is Bran right now?

Rising fast — up 2737 spots — currently #9880 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#9880 · Top 7.3%

1970

1975

2000

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9880	7	▲ up 2737 · +40% births
2022	#12617	5	▼ down 6550 · -64% births
2021	#6067	14	▲ up 699 · +17% births
2015	#6766	12	▲ up 5849 · +140% births
2010	#12615	5	▼ down 1862
2000	#10753	5	▼ down 4761
1975	#5992	5	▼ down 679
1970	#5313	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Bran

Best Year1970Rank #5313

Peak Count14

Average Rank#8750

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 20238 years

The story of Bran

Bran is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 200 total births recorded, Bran remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5313 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9880 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Bran in 1972:

Michael Christopher James David John

Bran by decade

Bran peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	61
1980s	23
2000s	23
2010s ★	93

💎Bran has only 200 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Bran?

Common

BranieBrany

What names sound and feel like Bran?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bran also consider these

Brad

English · English

Braan

Celtic · A Celtic name

Brag

Celtic · A Celtic name

Cran

Celtic · A Celtic name

Vietnam · A beloved name

Bryan

American · Irish

Common questions about the name Bran

What does the name Bran mean?

Bran means "raven" — a name rooted in Wales tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Bran?

Bran is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Bran?

Bran originates from Wales tradition. Wales names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Bran?

Bran is a one-syllable name pronounced B R AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Bran sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Bran flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Bran ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.