Last Name Brito

The last name "Brito" has Portuguese origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Britto" which means "British" or "from Britain." The surname was used during the medieval period to refer to individuals of English or British origin. Over time, the name spread to other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, where it is also commonly found today.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Brito

Discussing the ethnicity associated with the surname "Brito," based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, we see a varied distribution. The majority of individuals identified as Hispanic, at 83.78% in 2000 and 84.78% in 2010, which represents a slight increase of 1.19%. The White ethnic identity also saw a small boost, going from 10.29% to 10.93%. Black representation within the Brito surname increased by half, from 1.82% to 2.73%. Conversely, those identifying as two or more races decreased considerably, from 3.20% to 0.56%. Asian/Pacific Islander representation rose slightly from 0.73% to 0.84%, while American Indian and Alaskan Native presence slightly fell, from 0.18% to 0.16%.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	83.78%	84.78%	1.19%
White	10.29%	10.93%	6.22%
Black	1.82%	2.73%	50%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.73%	0.84%	15.07%
Two or More Races	3.2%	0.56%	-82.5%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.18%	0.16%	-11.11%

Brito ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Brito is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 52.7% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Indigenous American (18.3%) and British & Irish (5.2%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Italian, Senegambian & Guinean, Angolan & Congolese, and Nigerian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	52.7%
Indigenous American	18.3%
British & Irish	5.2%
Other	23.8%

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Brito

The meaning and origin of the last name Brito

The surname Brito is of Portuguese and Spanish origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from the word "brito," which denotes a person from the region of Brittany in northwestern France. The term "brito" was applied to those who came from the peninsula known as "Bretania" in the Iberian Peninsula, which was conquered by the Visigoths in the 6th century. Over time, people from this region migrated to Portugal and Spain, carrying the surname Brito with them. The surname's popularity spread with the expansion of the Portuguese and Spanish empires, as individuals with the surname Brito became explorers, settlers, and merchants in different parts of the world. Today, the surname is not only found in Portugal and Spain but also in countries with strong Portuguese and Spanish influence, such as Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Brito

The last name "Brito" is predominantly found in countries with close ties to Portugal and Spain, reflecting its origins in the Iberian Peninsula. In Portugal, the name is most commonly found in the northern regions, such as Braga, Porto, and Vila Real, as well as in Lisbon and Setúbal. In Spain, it is most prevalent in Galicia, Asturias, and the Canary Islands. Beyond the Iberian Peninsula, significant populations of individuals with the last name "Brito" can be found in countries that experienced Portuguese or Spanish colonization. Brazil, for instance, has a large concentration of individuals with the name, particularly in the northeastern states of Bahia and Pernambuco. Other countries with notable populations of the name include Venezuela, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Due to emigration patterns, particularly to the United States and Canada, there are also considerable numbers of individuals with the last name "Brito" dispersed throughout North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Brito

The last name Brito has several variations and spellings that can be found across different countries and regions. Some common variants include Britto, Brite, Briton, Brita, and Breetoe. These variations often arose due to differences in dialects, migration patterns, and cultural influences. In Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil and Portugal, the name may also be spelled Britos or Brittos. Brito is believed to have originated from the Latin word "Britto," which means Briton or British. Over time, spelling variations have emerged as families migrated or adopted new name spellings for various reasons. Despite these differences, the underlying root of the name remains the same. Whether spelled as Brito, Britto, or any other variant, this surname has a rich history and continues to be carried by individuals and families worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Brito

There are several notable individuals with the last name Brito who have made significant contributions in various fields. One prominent figure is Fernanda Brito, a Chilean professional tennis player known for her achievements in the sport. She has competed on the Women's Tennis Association circuit, and her talent and dedication have earned her recognition on an international level.

In the world of entertainment, the name Hugo Brito often comes to mind. He is a renowned Portuguese actor, director, and producer. With a successful acting career spanning over several decades, Brito has appeared in numerous films and television series, captivating audiences with his talent and versatility.

In the world of business, Antonio Brito is a name that stands out. As the CEO of a prominent multinational corporation, he has made a mark in the corporate world, displaying exceptional leadership skills and contributing to the growth and success of his company.

The Brito name has left its mark in various fields, showcasing the talents, skills, and ambitions of these individuals, making them celebrated figures in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Brito

The surname Brito has origins in medieval Portugal and Spain. It is believed to come from the Latin term "Britto," meaning "British," indicating a connection or descent from individuals of British origin. An ancient noble line with the name Brito was established in the Kingdom of Galicia in what is now modern-day Northwestern Spain. Over time, this family spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula and took on various branches. Many Brito families can still be found in Portugal, particularly in Lisbon, Braga, and Madeira. Some members of the Brito clan migrated to Brazil during the colonial period, and their descendants can be found in various regions of the country today. Genealogical research on the Brito surname often involves tracing lineage through historical records, church registers, and other genealogical sources, shedding light on the family's history and connections throughout the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Brito"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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