The name Branson finds its origins in Old English, tracing back to the 11th century. It is derived from the Old English words "bran," meaning "brand" or "burn," and "tun," meaning "settlement" or "enclosure." Thus, the name likely referred to a settlement or enclosure near a burned or branded area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Branson appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry mentions a landowner named Branson in the county of Lincolnshire, England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Branson was relatively uncommon but could be found scattered across various regions of England. Notable historical figures with the name include Sir John Branson, a 14th-century English knight who served under King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War.

In the 16th century, the name gained some prominence with the birth of Thomas Branson (1548-1614), an English clergyman and author who served as the rector of Whitchurch in Shropshire. His published works included religious treatises and sermons.

Moving into the 17th century, Richard Branson (1615-1675) was an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Winchelsea, a borough in East Sussex, during the reign of Charles II.

Fast-forwarding to the 19th century, Joseph Branson (1819-1898) was a notable English astronomer and mathematician. He made significant contributions to the study of comets and served as the president of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1880 to 1882.

Another notable figure with the name Branson was Sir Geoffrey Branson (1892-1957), a British civil servant who played a crucial role in the establishment of the United Nations. He served as the first president of the United Nations Trusteeship Council from 1946 to 1948.