The name Brenton has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the words "brent" meaning "burnt" or "burned" and "tun" meaning "town" or "settlement." It is believed to have originated in the early medieval period, possibly around the 7th or 8th century, when many place names in England were formed by combining descriptive words with the word "tun."

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Brenton can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears as a place name, "Brentun," which likely referred to a settlement that had been affected by a fire or burning event.

In the following centuries, Brenton began to be used as a given name, likely influenced by the popularity of place names as personal names during that time. One of the earliest known individuals with the name Brenton was Sir Brenton Haliburton, a Scottish knight who lived in the 14th century and fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Another notable figure with the name Brenton was Jahleel Brenton, an English clergyman and scholar who lived from 1691 to 1724. He is best known for his translation of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which was published in 1844, several years after his death.

In the 19th century, Rear Admiral Brenton Brine Brenton (1773-1848) was a British naval officer who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his contributions to the development of naval signals and communication systems.

Another historical figure with the name Brenton was Sir Brenton Halliburton Sillitoe (1792-1867), a British diplomat and colonial administrator who served as the Governor of British Honduras (now Belize) and the Governor of Malta.

In more recent times, Brenton Thwaites (born 1989) is an Australian actor known for his roles in films such as "The Giver," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales," and the television series "Titans."

While the name Brenton has its roots in Old English and has been used throughout history, it is relatively uncommon today compared to other English names. However, its connection to place names and its unique sound have contributed to its enduring presence as a given name.