Find out how popular the first name Brittain has been for the last 46 years (from 1977 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Brittain by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Brittain is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 55% of people named Brittain being male.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Brittain.

It's also interesting to see that despite Brittain being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2022 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Brittain.

The history of the first name Brittain

The given name Brittain is derived from the Old English word "Bryten", which referred to the island of Great Britain. This name has its roots in the early medieval period, when the Anglo-Saxons settled in what is now England, Wales, and parts of Scotland.

The name Brittain is believed to have originated as a descriptive term for people who hailed from the island of Britain or were of British descent. It was likely used to distinguish them from those of Continental European or other backgrounds.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brittain can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record compiled in the late 9th century. The chronicle mentions a figure named "Brittain" who was a nobleman during the reign of King Alfred the Great (849-899).

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Brittain remained relatively uncommon but was occasionally used among the nobility and upper classes in England. Notable individuals with this name include Sir Brittain de Bremmesgrave, a 13th-century knight who fought in the Crusades, and John Brittain, a 15th-century merchant and member of the Worshipful Company of Mercers in London.

During the Renaissance period, the name Brittain gained some popularity, particularly among the gentry and wealthy families who sought to emphasize their English heritage. One notable bearer of this name was Brittain Risdon (1548-1628), an English historian and topographer who wrote extensively about the history and geography of Devon.

In the 17th century, the name Brittain was associated with the English Civil War. Captain Brittain Elliot (1615-1648) was a Royalist officer who fought for King Charles I and was killed in battle during the conflict.

Another notable figure with the name Brittain was William Brittain (1809-1884), a 19th-century English artist and illustrator known for his landscape paintings and etchings of rural scenes.

While not as common as some other English names, Brittain has maintained a presence throughout history, often associated with individuals who embraced their British identity or had connections to the island nation.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Brittain was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Brittain, please contact us.

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