Origin & Meaning of the Britton Surname
What does the last name Britton mean?
The surname Britton 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 29,040 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Britton ranks as the #1,217 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Britton come from?
The Britton 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 Britton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Britton 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 | Britton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,217 |
| US Count (2010) | 29,040 |
| Per 100K People | 9.84 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Britton
According to the US Census, the Britton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 29,040 Americans with the Britton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.97% |
| Black | 19.85% |
| Hispanic | 2.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.79% |
| Two or More Races | 2.21% |
Popularity of Britton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Britton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Britton surname increased by 1,039 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Britton Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Britton ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Britton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Britton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Britton
- ✓ The Britton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Britton families live today
- ✓ Notable Britton bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Britton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Britton.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Britton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Britton
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Britton surname also look for: