Britton is an English given name that originated as a transferred use of the British surname Britton. The surname itself derives from the Middle English term Bretun, meaning "a Briton"—referring to a member of the Celtic people who inhabited pre-Roman and Roman Britain—or "a Breton", an inhabitant of Brittany in modern-day France. Both ethnonyms are linked to the place name Britain. Notable Bearers The name has been used for both men and women. Notable male bearers include: Britton Chance (1913–2010), distinguished American biochemist and biophysicist known for his work on enzymes and spectroscopy Britton Chance Jr. (1940–2012), naval architect and yacht designer, son of the above Britton Colquitt (born 1985), American National Football League punter Britton Johnsen (born 1979), American basketball player Britton Rice (born 1981), American musician Female notable bearers include Britton Wilson (born 2000), an American track and field athlete. Usage and Variants Today, Britton is used predominantly in English-speaking countries, often as a gender-neutral given name. Variant forms include Brittany for girls, while the surname form has been established in England since the medieval period. Meaning: "a Briton" (Celt) or "a Breton" Origin: Middle English surname Type: given name Usage Region: primarily English-speaking nations