Origin & Meaning of the Brittain Surname
What does the last name Brittain mean?
The surname Brittain carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,671 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Brittain ranks as the #4,096 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Brittain come from?
The Brittain surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Brittain name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Brittain trace back to European. 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 | Brittain |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,096 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,671 |
| Per 100K People | 2.94 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Brittain
According to the US Census, the Brittain surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,671 Americans with the Brittain last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.81% |
| Black | 4.39% |
| Hispanic | 2.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Brittain Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Brittain surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Brittain surname increased by 377 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Brittain Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Brittain ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Brittain
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Brittain.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Brittain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brittain
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Brittain surname also look for: