Brandon is a common given name for males, derived from Old English, meaning "hill covered with broom." It has gained popularity in various English-speaking countries and is often used as both a first name and a surname. In the United States, Brandon became particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It is associated with several notable figures, including Brandon Lee, the son of martial artist Bruce Lee, and Brandon Sanderson, a well-known fantasy author. The name is often shortened to "Bran" in casual settings.