Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

What can Bran be short for?

32 replies

Radish9 · 08/09/2014 10:31

Hi everyone. We're expecting our 3rd baby in the new year, and are struggling with names big time. My DH considers my suggestions silly, and I think his are boring!
He vaguely suggested Brandon; we both like Bran (and have read the Game of Thrones books!) but Brandon feels a bit 'Jayden' to me. Can anyone suggest another name that can shorten to Bran? I know it can be used as a name in its own right, but it feels unfinished to me.
Many thanks!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
Radish9 · 08/09/2014 11:40

Thankyou everyone! Brando might be a little too unusual for us(!) but I like Branwell, with the Yorkshire link too.
What do you think? Is Bran/ Branwell a decent name?

OP posts:
burgatroyd · 08/09/2014 11:33

Great suggestion of Brando!

jeee · 08/09/2014 11:19

There was a Bran in the Susan Cooper 'Dark is Rising' series. Not really relevant to you, OP. But I think I'm going to have to re-read them now.

FoodieMum3 · 08/09/2014 11:16

I've heard of the surname 'Brannan'

florascotia · 08/09/2014 11:08

In Celtic myths, Branwen is Bran's sister.

I believe that Branwyn, although technically male in Welsh, is often used for girls nowadays as an alternative to Branwen/Bronwen.... so Branwyn could just possibly be problematic.

STIGZ · 08/09/2014 10:59

Brannon
Brand
Branwyn
Brannis

Sorry thats all i can think of

florascotia · 08/09/2014 10:57

This may not be what you want, and am just saying (absolutely no criticism intended) but the 'Bran' (whole name) of Celtic mythology is very far from unfinished! He's a magic giant and a hero and a king. www.britannia.com/celtic/gods/bran.html
As you know, Bran means 'Raven'. Welsh Mumsnetters may want to correct me, but I'd say say something closer to 'Brahn' not 'Branne'.

Otherwise, there is Branwell - the name of Bronte sisters' brother - or Brannon or Branson or Brandt or even Brando (!!!!). All surnames used as first names. I believe there was a Viking name Brandr, but I have no idea whether it is still used in Scandinavia today.