Britton

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