Find out how popular the first name Branch has been for the last 45 years (from 1980 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Branch by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Branch is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 37 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Branch.

The history of the first name Branch

The given name Branch is of English origin, derived from the word "branch," referring to the woody part of a tree extending from the trunk or main stem. The earliest recorded use of Branch as a given name dates back to the late 16th century in England, where it was likely given to children born on estates or in rural areas with a connection to nature or forestry.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Branch appeared sporadically in historical records and parish registers across various regions of England. It was particularly prevalent in areas with a strong agricultural or woodland heritage, such as the counties of Sussex, Kent, and Gloucestershire.

One of the earliest notable individuals bearing the name Branch was Branch Tanner, an English Puritan minister born in 1599. He served as a chaplain during the English Civil War and was a signatory to the Solemn League and Covenant, a significant document in the history of Presbyterianism.

In the 19th century, the name Branch gained some popularity among families in the United States, particularly in the Southern states. This may have been influenced by the admiration for nature and the idyllic rural lifestyle prevalent in the region during that era.

A notable figure with the name Branch from this period was Branch Wright Tanner, an American politician and jurist born in 1825 in North Carolina. He served as a judge on the Supreme Court of Alabama and was a prominent figure in the state's political landscape.

Moving into the 20th century, Branch Rickey, born in 1881 in Ohio, was a celebrated baseball executive and the man credited with breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball by signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. Rickey's legacy as a pioneer in sports integration and civil rights is widely recognized.

Another notable individual with the name Branch was Branch McCracken, an American basketball coach born in 1900. He led the Indiana Hoosiers to two NCAA Championship titles in 1940 and 1953, cementing his place as one of the most successful coaches in the history of college basketball.

Branch Shelton, born in 1923 in Texas, was a distinguished American poet and playwright. His works often explored themes of identity, spirituality, and the human experience, earning him critical acclaim and numerous literary awards throughout his career.

While the name Branch may have originated from a humble connection to the natural world, it has been borne by individuals who have left their mark in various fields, including religion, law, sports, and literature, reflecting the diverse paths that those bearing this unique name have taken throughout history.

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 Branch was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!