Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Brandy

Brandy is the English vocabulary word for an alcoholic drink; essentially liquor distilled from the fermented juice of grapes. The English word “brandy” was borrowed from the Dutch “brandewijn” meaning "burnt wine" due to the color produced in the distilling process. As a female given name, both Brandy and Brandi came into circulation during the 1960s. The name saw more immediate success following the 1972 song release (and #1 hit single for one week that year) called “Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by the one-hit wonder band, Looking Glass. The following year (1973) Brandy became a Top 100 female baby name choice in America. This is a name that never really caught on outside of the United States however.

All About the Baby Name – Brandy

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME BRANDY

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME BRANDY

Brandy made her debut on America’s Top 1000 list in 1967. By 1973, she was a Top 100 favorite. The name’s peak popularity was achieved in 1978 when she hit position #37 on the charts. Brandy held tight to the Top 100 rankings for 15 consecutive years (1973-1987). And Brandi with an “i” mimicked her success (Brandie and Brande were other spellings to emerge during Brandy’s heyday). Unfortunately for Brandy, this was a name that came into and out of fashion rather quickly. She has thus far failed to demonstrate any staying-power. The reviews on Brandy are mixed and people appear to be greatly divided on their opinions when it comes to this name. On one end, some folks find it a perfectly pretty and peppy name choice. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those that deride the name as typical for a trashy, pole-dancer type (in the same vein as Candy, Cherry, Bambi or Misty). They also point to the alcohol aspect (like naming one’s daughter Cristal or Merlot). For whatever reason, this is just one of those names that invokes strong judgments either way.

Quick Facts

ON BRANDY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

BRAN-dee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Burnt wine

Characteristics

OF BRANDY

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Brandy

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BRANDY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Brandy

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BRANDY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Brandy


Popular Songs

ON BRANDY

Brandy Eyes
a song by Joni Mitchell

Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)
a song by Looking Glass

Famous People

NAMED BRANDY

Brandy Norwood (actress/singer)
Brandi Glanville (reality TV)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BRANDY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Brandy

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BRANDY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Brandy