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Brandy
Brandy Pronunciation
Brandy is pronounced BRAN-dee /ˈbræn.diː/High
Meaning: From Dutch brandewijn meaning 'burnt wine' (the distilled spirit), used as a given name since the mid-20th century in the United States; also sometimes linked to Old English brand (sword) + the -dy suffixHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Brandy derives from the English word brandy, itself borrowed from Dutch brandewijn (burned wine, distilled wine), from branden (to burn, to distill) and wijn (wine). The word entered English in the 17th century for the distilled spirit. As a given name, Brandy represents the American tradition of using common nouns — especially those with warm, spirited connotations — as given names for girls.
Brandy rose as a given name in the United States in the early 1970s, accelerated by the Looking Glass hit song Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) (1972). The name peaked in the late 1970s and 1980s and was consistently in the U.S. top 100 girls names during that period. R&B singer Brandy Norwood (born 1979), known professionally as Brandy, brought additional visibility in the 1990s. The name has declined since 2000 but carries affectionate nostalgic charm.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Brandy Norwood (1979–present)American R&B singer and actress known professionally as Brandy, a multi-platinum recording artist and star of the TV series Moesha.
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Frequently Asked
How do you pronounce Brandy?
Brandy is pronounced BRAN-dee (/ˈbræn.diː/). Press play above to hear Brandy said aloud.
How do you say Brandy?
Brandy is said BRAN-dee (/ˈbræn.diː/). Press play above to hear Brandy said aloud.
What does the name Brandy mean?
Brandy means burnt wine or distilled wine, from Dutch brandewijn — it is an American word-name used as a given name since the 1970s.
Is Brandy a boy or girl name?
Brandy is used almost exclusively as a girl's name in the United States.
How popular is Brandy?
Brandy was a top 100 U.S. girls name from the 1970s through the 1990s and has since declined, now carrying a warm vintage character.