Last Name Britton

The surname "Britton" has origins in England. It is derived from the Old English given name "Brihtwine," which combines the elements "briht," meaning "bright" or "shining," and "wine," meaning "friend" or "protector." Over time, the name "Brihtwine" evolved into "Brit(t)ain" or "Briton," which eventually became "Britton" as we know it today. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was often used to identify someone as "the son of Britton." The name may have been given to individuals who displayed attributes of brightness, friendship, or protection. The surname became widespread and can be found across different regions of England.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Britton

In terms of ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows some shifts between 2000 and 2010 for individuals with the Britton surname. While over 73.97% identified as White in 2010 (down from 76.31% in 2000), there were notable increases within other ethnicities. The Hispanic population grew by 51.41%, while those identifying as two or more races increased by 42.58%. The Asian/Pacific Islander community also saw an increase of 28.21%. Meanwhile, the percentage of those identifying as Black rose modestly by 3.06%, and the American Indian and Alaskan Native population grew by 9.72%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	76.31%	73.97%	-3.07%
Black	19.26%	19.85%	3.06%
Hispanic	1.77%	2.68%	51.41%
Two or More Races	1.55%	2.21%	42.58%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.72%	0.79%	9.72%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.39%	0.5%	28.21%

Britton 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 Britton is British & Irish, which comprises 51.8% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.9%) and Eastern European (4.2%). Additional ancestries include Italian, Scandinavian, Nigerian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	51.8%
French & German	21.9%
Eastern European	4.2%
Other	22.1%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Britton

The meaning and origin of the last name Britton

The surname Britton is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "Bryttas" or "Brytta," which translates to "a Breton" or "a person from Brittany." This suggests that the name was originally used to describe someone who hailed from the region of Brittany in Northwestern France. During medieval times, there were numerous migrations and interactions between the people of Brittany and England, resulting in the adoption of this surname. Over time, the spelling of the name underwent variations such as Briton, Brittain, and Britten before settling on Britton. The surname Britton may also have originated as a nickname for someone who displayed characteristics similar to the Bretons, such as their distinctive language, cultural customs, or physical attributes. Today, the surname Britton can be found across the globe, particularly in English-speaking countries, reflecting the historical ties between Brittany and England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Britton

The last name Britton has a diverse geographical distribution, with the highest concentration found in the United States, particularly in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. In the UK, the surname is most commonly found in England and Wales, with significant populations in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff. Canada also has a notable number of individuals with the Britton last name, mainly in Ontario and Quebec. Furthermore, Australia and New Zealand have significant populations of Britton surname holders, primarily in urban areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. In Europe, the surname Britton is found in smaller numbers, with notable concentrations in Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. It is worth mentioning that due to historical migration patterns and globalization, individuals with the last name Britton can be found in various other parts of the world, adding to the surname's global reach.

Variants and spellings of the last name Britton

The last name Britton has several variations and spellings that have evolved over time. One common variation is Brutton, where the 'i' is replaced with a 'u'. Another variant is Brittain, where 'o' is substituted with 'ai'. The surname Britain also exists, with the double 't' omitted. Additionally, some individuals may spell the name as Briton or Britten, with the double 't' replaced by a single 't' or 'en' respectively. These variations might have emerged due to regional accents, pronunciation differences, or transcription errors during record-keeping. It is not uncommon to find different versions of the same surname within a family, as branches migrated to different regions or settled in different countries. Despite these spelling variations, Britton remains a recognizable and distinct surname, with its roots deeply entrenched in history.

Famous people with the last name Britton

Connie Britton is a renowned American actress and producer, renowned for her exceptional talent and natural charisma. Born on March 6, 1967, in Boston, Massachusetts, Connie made her mark in the entertainment industry with critically acclaimed performances in television series such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Nashville." Her skillful portrayal of complex and empowering female characters has earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy nomination. Moreover, Connie Britton's impactful voice as an activist for gender equality and poverty alleviation has further solidified her as a respected figure in the industry. With her striking mane of auburn hair and magnetic screen presence, Connie Britton has become a true icon of the small screen, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of her fans and colleagues alike.

Genealogical research on the last name Britton

The surname Britton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can trace its roots back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Brihtwine", which means "bright friend". The name is believed to have originated in different regions across England, with several branches of the Britton family emerging over time. Research indicates that the Britton surname has various spellings, including Britain, Brittan, Briston, and Britten. The Britton family has been documented in various historical records, such as church registers, land deeds, and census records. They were often engaged in occupations such as farmers, tradesmen, or skilled artisans. Over the centuries, members of the Britton family have dispersed to different parts of the world, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, contributing to the global diaspora of the name. Today, diligent genealogical research can help individuals uncover their specific ancestral lineage within the larger Britton family tree.

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