The name Britt is a diminutive form of the name Britta, which is a feminine given name of Old Norse origin. The name Britta is derived from the Old Norse word "bryti," meaning "settler" or "one who clears land." It is believed to have originated in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, when Norse settlers were actively colonizing new lands.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Britt date back to the Middle Ages in Scandinavia. One notable historical figure who bore this name was Britt Klara Carlsdotter, a Swedish woman born in 1736 who became a renowned artist and painter during the Age of Liberty in Sweden.

In the English-speaking world, the name Britt gained popularity as a shortened version of the name Brittany, which is derived from the name of the French region of Brittany. The name Brittany itself is believed to have its roots in the Brythonic Celtic language spoken by the ancient Britons.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Britt was Britt Bailey, an American actress and singer born in 1923. She appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the mid-20th century.

Another notable figure was Britt Ekland, a Swedish actress and model born in 1942. She gained international fame for her roles in various films, including The Wicker Man and The Man with the Golden Gun.

Britt Allcroft, born in 1943, is a British writer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur best known for creating the beloved children's television series Thomas & Friends, based on the Railway Series books by Reverend W. Awdry.

Britt Johansson, a Swedish tennis player born in 1968, achieved success on the professional circuit, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world in 1993 and winning six singles titles on the WTA Tour.

Lastly, Britt Robertson, an American actress born in 1990, has gained recognition for her roles in various films and television series, including Tomorrowland, The Space Between Us, and For the People.