Boy name · Celtic
Bran
“raven”
Vibes
Explore Bran further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Bran — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Bran is the raven, in both Welsh and Irish. Brân the Blessed is a giant in the Mabinogi whose severed head goes on talking and hosting for eighty-seven years before it is buried under London facing France, to ward off invasion.
The bird is doing real work in the name rather than decorating it. Ravens in insular Celtic material are battle creatures and carriers of prophecy, not garden birds, which is why the name has never softened the way animal names usually do.
One hard syllable, so it wants length after it (Bran Alasdair). Anglophone parents should know the *Game of Thrones* association arrives whether invited or not. On our vibe map it is Mythological with a strong Dark Academia pull.
More Celtic names
Bran sits in our Celtic set — these share its roots.
All Celtic names →Bran — common questions
Is Bran a boy or girl name?
Bran is traditionally a boy name of Celtic origin.
What does the name Bran mean?
Bran means “raven” of Celtic origin. Bran is the raven, in both Welsh and Irish. Brân the Blessed is a giant in the Mabinogi whose severed head goes on talking and hosting for eighty-seven years before it is buried under London facing France, to ward off invasion.
Where does the name Bran come from?
Bran is Celtic in origin. The bird is doing real work in the name rather than decorating it. Ravens in insular Celtic material are battle creatures and carriers of prophecy, not garden birds, which is why the name has never softened the way animal names usually do.
How popular is Bran?
Bran did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Bran you might want for the nursery.