Origin & Meaning of the Breton Surname
What does the last name Breton mean?
The surname Breton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,322 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Breton ranks as the #7,682 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Breton come from?
The Breton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Breton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Breton trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Breton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,682 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,322 |
| Per 100K People | 1.47 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Breton
According to the US Census, the Breton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,322 Americans with the Breton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.2% |
| Black | 4.0% |
| Hispanic | 24.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.86% |
| Native American | 0.16% |
| Two or More Races | 1.27% |
Popularity of Breton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Breton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Breton surname increased by 627 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breton
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