Located on the Avalon Peninsula, part of the Cape Shore, on the west shore of St. Mary's Bay, unlike North Branch and South Branch in the Codroy Valley, this "Branch" appears not to have anything to do with a "branch" of a river.

Rather, according to most, the name comes from the French surname, either Branch or Branche (Brooks, 2013).

According to material contained in the ENL listing, it is believed that it was first settled around 1790 by an Irish fisherman, by the name of Thomas Nash who was attracted to the community by its "good salmon river and the good cod fishing grounds nearby.

The following comes from the town's website: Tucked away at the far west side of St. Mary's Bay, Branch currently boasts a population of 230 people.

With an authentic Irish dialect, and a colorful array of interwoven stories, traditions and customs, Branch is known for its refreshingly genuine charm and tapestry of history.

Whether you're from Branch or just passing through, Branch's lure will always invite you back.

Used with permission from "Uncovering the Origin of 1001 Unique Place Names in Newfoundland and Labrador" 2021 Jennifer Leigh Hill

Address of this page: http://nl.ruralroutes.com/Branch