The surname Branch derives from the Old French word “branche,” meaning “branch” or “twig.” It likely originated as a topographic or occupational name for someone who lived or worked near trees or a branch of a river. The name is relatively common in English-speaking countries, with notable namesakes including American civil rights leader Ruby Bridges and British actor Richard Branch. Today, individuals with the surname Branch can be found in a variety of professions and locations around the world.
