Britton is an English surname and given name, originally from the Old English 'Briht Tun', which translates to 'bright settlement'. It was once a common name for settlements throughout England, particularly in areas like Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Over time, these places became known as Brittons and their inhabitants adopted Britton as a surname.
In the Middle Ages, Britton was also used as a given name, often bestowed upon heirs of noble families to indicate their lineage or prominence. It has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including Sir Reginald de Britton, a 12th-century English knight who fought in the Crusades.
Today, Britton continues to be used as both a surname and given name, primarily within English-speaking countries. As a given name, it is often associated with the British Isles due to its historical roots, but it can also be found among families of other ethnicities who appreciate its unique and distinctive sound.
"The name Britton experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time, with a notable peak of 103 births in 2011 and a recent decline to 24 births in 2022. Overall, there were 1911 babies named Britton between 1964 and 2023."