The name Brecken is believed to have originated from the Old English word "brec," which means "to break" or "to crack." This name likely originated in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, which spanned from around the 5th to the 11th century.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Brecken can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript that recorded landowners in England after the Norman Conquest in 1086. The name appears as "Breccan," which was likely a surname at the time.

In the Middle Ages, Brecken was a relatively uncommon name. However, it gained some popularity during the Renaissance period, particularly in England and Scotland. One notable figure from this time was Brecken Breckenridge, a Scottish philosopher and theologian who lived from 1515 to 1587.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Brecken was occasionally used in literary works. For example, Brecken Meredith was a character in the novel "The Fortunes of Nigel" by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1822.

In the 19th century, Brecken gained some popularity as a first name, particularly in the United States. One notable figure was Brecken Merrill, an American inventor and businessman who lived from 1824 to 1892. He is credited with developing several improvements to the typewriter and other office equipment.

Another notable Brecken from the 19th century was Brecken Rawlins, an American explorer and naturalist who lived from 1835 to 1901. He led several expeditions to the American West and was responsible for documenting many new species of plants and animals.

In the 20th century, the name Brecken remained relatively uncommon, but there were still a few notable individuals who bore the name. One example is Brecken Chisholm, an Australian politician and activist who lived from 1904 to 1965. She was a prominent figure in the women's rights movement and served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives.

Overall, while not a particularly common name throughout history, Brecken has been used in various parts of the English-speaking world and has been borne by a number of notable individuals across different fields and eras.