Brandy Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Brandy is an English name derived from the word for the distilled alcoholic beverage, rooted in the Dutch term 'brandewijn'. It has evolved through various forms in the Dutch language and gained popularity in the 20th century. The name embodies traits of warmth and sophistication, with no biblical relevance, and is associated with notable figures in entertainment and fashion.
The name Brandy is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Brandy has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Brandy' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3648th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1038th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1668th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3872nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7443rd out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6317th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2098th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 117th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 102nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 595th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2672nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Brandy' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Brandy"
Pronunciation
/ˈbrændi/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Brandy originates from the English word for the distilled alcoholic beverage made from wine or fruit juice. It is derived from the Dutch word 'brandewijn', which means 'burnt wine'.
Meaning
brandy, a distilled spirit
Language Evolution
Brandy (modern English), Brandewijn (Dutch), Branntwijn (Middle Dutch), Brantwijn (Old Dutch)
Historical Usage
The use of Brandy as a name became popular in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in the mid-1900s, as the beverage gained fame.
Variants & Derivatives
Brandi, Brandie, Brande
Modern Popularity & Image
Brandy is often perceived as a trendy and modern name, associated with warmth and sophistication due to its ties to the alcoholic beverage.
Famous People
Brandy Norwood, an American singer and actress, Brandy Melville, a popular clothing brand
Explore More Brandy Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Brandy"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Brandy"
"Brandy" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3648th of 7552 | 91 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1038th of 10718 | 979 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1668th of 16616 | 727 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3872nd of 24088 | 374 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 7443rd of 23106 | 126 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6317th of 9204 | 26 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2098th of 12526 | 522 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 117th of 19264 | 47,440 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 102nd of 27321 | 50,000 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 595th of 35406 | 7,732 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2672nd of 30306 | 782 |
Regional Popularity of "Brandy" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
39.19% 1151st/2937 |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
26.29% 925th/3518 |
36.97% 1495th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
- |
31.36% 1629th/5194 |
31.82% 2010th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
54.69% 2824th/5164 |
- |
45.88% 3424th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Brandy" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
87.20% 1942nd/2227 |
87.41% 2124th/2430 |
67.23% 1918th/2853 |
44.25% 1228th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.29% 126th/2937 |
6.83% 238th/3483 |
2.08% 73rd/3518 |
2.60% 105th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.82% 104th/3685 |
4.49% 201st/4475 |
1.27% 66th/5194 |
2.30% 145th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
13.25% 607th/4582 |
17.35% 896th/5164 |
7.08% 518th/7313 |
8.16% 609th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
100.00% 3984th/3984 |
- |
35.93% 2451st/6822 |
38.85% 2438th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Brandy"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Brandy" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.