Surname Britt - Meaning and Origin
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'Journey into Ancestry with iGENEA: My Emotional Roller-coaster Unraveling the Surname ‘Britt’.'
Embarking on a DNA testing journey with iGENEA gave me an exciting and emotional opportunity to connect with my past, my ancestors and myself. Discovering that my surname 'Britt' was a symbol of centuries-old stories and lives, tracing migrations across Europe, was a profoundly enlightening and fulfilling experience.
X. Britt
read moreBritt: What does the surname Britt mean?
The last name Britt is of Old Norse origin and is derived from the personal name 'Bridget', which came to England with the Scandinavian settlers. The Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse version of Bridget was 'Brigid', and this was shortened over time, becoming 'Britt'. The name Bridget, and thus Britt, is associated with the Norse goddess of fire, wisdom, and poetry, who shares a similar name. The last name Britt was first found in Brittany, France, and was brought to England with the Norman Conquest in the 11th Century. This surname is categorized as a patronymic surname, often given to the son of someone named Bridget. Over time, it evolved into a surname used by both men and women. As a surname, Britt can be found more frequently in the United States, England, Canada, and Sweden. Overall, the last name Britt denotes someone who is enlightened or wise, fitting well with its origins in the Norse goddess of wisdom.
Order DNA origin analysisBritt: Where does the name Britt come from?
The surname Britt has roots in both English and Irish traditions. In English context, it is derived from the personal name "Brett," referring to a Breton, someone from Brittany, France. Therefore, it was often given to Breton immigrants into England. In the Irish context, Britt is derived from the Gaelic surname "O'Briotáin". The prefix "O" indicates "descendant of", while "Briotáin" is a diminutive of "Breathnach", which translates to "Welshman". Therefore, it's representative of those who are descendants of a Welshman.
These origins relate to migratory patterns during the Middle Ages, including Welsh and Breton settlers in Ireland and Breton immigrants in England. Today, despite its diffusion across many English-speaking countries, the surname Britt remains most common in the United States, per census data and white pages information databases. It can also be found in English-speaking countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Britt
The surname Britt is of Norman origin and has several variations in spelling due to regional dialects and phonetic translations over centuries. Here are some variants and possible spellings: Brit, Britte, Brite, Brittney, Britton, Breton, Bretton, Brittan, Britten, Brittain, Britain, Bretagne, Brittin, Britting, Breatnach, Brette, Bresset, Bressett, Brits, Breet, Brittz, Britz. It's also possible that surnames like Brittany and Britner have developed from Britt.
Other less common variations can include subtle changes such as single instead of double letters (like Brit or Brite instead of Britt), or suffix additions like "-son" or "-by" (like Britson or Britby).
Surname origins for Britt can include England, France, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, given the Norman origin and geographical movement of people throughout history. Also keep in mind the historical context; variants could possibly be more numerous due to different languages being spoken in regions where the surname was present.
Remember that surname origins and variations can be complex and intertwined, with many factors like migrations, marriages, and more affecting surname distribution and evolution. It's always best to look at individual family tree records and geographical distribution for a more accurate understanding.
Famous people with the name Britt
- Elton Britt: An American country music singer.
- Bill Britt: Founder of Amway distributor network Britt Worldwide.
- Ruth Britt: American jazz singer and actor.
- Antonio Britt: Former professional American football player.
- Glenn Britt: Former CEO of Time Warner Cable.
- Kenny Britt: Former professional American football player.
- May Britt: A Swedish actress known for her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr.
- Mabel Albertson: Sometimes credited as Mabel Britt, an American film and television actress.
- Britt Ekland: Swedish actress and singer, notable for her roles in "The Wicker Man" and Bond girl in "The Man with the Golden Gun".
- Britt Robertson: An American actress known for her roles in Tomorrowland and The Space Between Us.
- Britt Daniel: An American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
- Britt Nicole: An American vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist.
- Britt Baker: American professional wrestler and dentist currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
- Jim Britt: Former American sports announcer.
- Britt Allcroft: An English film, television, and live theater producer, writer, and director, best known as the creator of Thomas And Friends.