Branigan is an uncommon given name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Braonáin. The name is believed to have been originally bestowed upon individuals who hailed from the province of Connacht, specifically from the area surrounding the townland of Brannigan in County Roscommon. It is considered to be a sept name, meaning it was once borne by members of a particular family or clan. The name's meaning, however, is not entirely clear, as there are several theories regarding its etymology. Some suggest that it may have been derived from the Irish word 'braon' meaning 'sad,' while others propose that it might be associated with the word 'braonach' meaning 'mourning.' Despite these varied interpretations, the name Branigan has a distinct and interesting history rooted in Irish culture.
The name Branigan experienced popularity fluctuations over the years, with a noticeable gap between 1986 and 1999 before picking up again in 2005.