Find out how popular the last name Branam is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Branam.

Branam, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Branam surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Branam in America

Branam is the 12627th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Branam surname appeared 2,451 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Branam.

We can also compare 2010 data for Branam to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Branam

The surname Branam is believed to have originated in England, with roots dating back to the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from an Old English word "bræmbel," which means "bramble" or "blackberry bush." This suggests that the name may have initially been a descriptive surname, given to someone who lived near or was associated with a bramble patch.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a person named Branham, which is considered an early variant of the modern spelling Branam.

During the 13th century, the name appeared in various records and manuscripts, often with different spellings such as Branham, Braynam, and Brayneham. These variations likely stemmed from regional dialects and the inconsistent spelling practices of the time.

In the 14th century, a notable individual bearing the name was Sir John Branam, a knight who served under King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. He was born around 1320 and gained recognition for his valor in several battles against the French.

Another prominent figure associated with the name was William Branam, a wealthy merchant and landowner who lived in Gloucestershire in the late 15th century. He was known for his extensive business dealings and philanthropic contributions to the local community.

In the 16th century, the name Branam was linked to a village in Northamptonshire, known as Braynam or Branam's End. This place name likely derived from an early bearer of the surname, suggesting a connection between the family and the area.

During the 17th century, a notable individual with the surname was Robert Branam, a scholar and clergyman who served as the Dean of Westminster Abbey from 1635 to 1638. He was born in 1592 and played a significant role in the religious and academic circles of his time.

Another individual of note was Elizabeth Branam, a prominent figure in the Quaker community of Pennsylvania during the late 17th century. She was born in 1650 and actively promoted the Quaker faith, establishing several meetinghouses in the region.

As the Branam surname spread throughout England and beyond, it continued to appear in various historical records, with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions carrying the name. While the specific origins and meanings may have evolved over time, the name's connection to the bramble plant and its descriptive roots remain a significant part of its history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Branam

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Branam.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Branam was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Branam has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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