Bandon first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Bandon has been for the last 38 years (from 1981 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Bandon

Derived from Gaelic origin meaning "little ridge" or "hill".

Popularity of Bandon by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Bandon is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bandon.

YearMale CountFemale Count
201860
201760
199850
199050
198870
198780
198690
1985100
198470
198250
198150

The history of the first name Bandon

The name Bandon is believed to have its origins in ancient Celtic languages, particularly Irish Gaelic. It is thought to be derived from the Irish word "bán," meaning "white" or "fair," and "dún," meaning "fort" or "settlement." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to a light-colored or fair-haired person living in a fortified town or village.

In early Irish history, the name Bandon was associated with various locations and settlements in Ireland. One notable example is the town of Bandon in County Cork, which traces its name back to the Irish phrase "Béal án Dúnaidh," meaning "mouth of the little fort." This town was established in the early 17th century during the Plantation of Munster, when English settlers arrived in the area.

While the name Bandon does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been recorded in various historical documents and records throughout the centuries. One of the earliest known individuals with the name Bandon was Bandon O'Brien, an Irish chieftain who lived in the 15th century and was a member of the powerful O'Brien dynasty.

Another notable figure with the name Bandon was Sir Francis Bandon, an English politician and Member of Parliament who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was involved in the colonization efforts in Ireland and played a role in the establishment of the town of Bandon in County Cork.

In the 18th century, Bandon Walker was a prominent American politician and judge who served as the 41st Governor of Virginia from 1809 to 1812. He was also a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and the United States House of Representatives.

In the 19th century, Bandon Bates was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Middlesex County Cricket Club between 1849 and 1865. He was known for his exceptional batting abilities and scored over 6,000 runs in his career.

Another notable figure with the name Bandon was Bandon Moore, an American artist and illustrator who lived from 1904 to 1994. He was renowned for his illustrations in books, magazines, and advertisements, and his work is considered a significant part of American illustration history.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Bandon. While the name may have originated in ancient Celtic cultures, it has been adopted and used across various regions and time periods, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bandon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bandon, please contact us.

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