Brandt

Brandt is a surname of German origin and is also used as a given name in some contexts. It is common in Germany and the Netherlands, and it appears among diaspora communities around the world. In English-language contexts the surname is typically spelled Brandt, with variants such as Brant and Brand.

The name’s origin is generally traced to Old High German and Middle High German elements related to fire or blaze, and it may have originated as a nickname for a fiery or assertive person. It is also considered to be toponymic in some cases, referring to people from places named Brandt in German-speaking regions. Over time, the surname spread beyond its linguistic heartland through migration and cultural exchange.

Notable bearers of the name include Willy Brandt (1913–1992), a German statesman who served as chancellor from 1969 to 1974 and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971. Beyond him, Brandt is carried by various individuals across politics, science, arts, and sports in Europe and North America. The name therefore appears widely in historical and contemporary contexts, reflecting its long-standing presence in Germanic-speaking and other communities.