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Brett Unisex

Popularity: #720 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: Bret /brɛt/

Origin: English; Irish

Meaning: English: dweller by the bridge; Irish: descendant of Breá

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Brett has its origins in the Old Breton name "Bret," which means "a Breton" or "from Brittany." The term "Breton" itself is derived from the Latin "Britannus," referring to the Celtic people of Britain. The name entered the English language through Norman influence after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, where it was adopted as a surname before evolving into a given name.

The transition from a geographical identifier to a personal name reflects the broader practice of using place names as surnames in medieval England. Historically, the name Brett has been associated with various notable figures, particularly during the medieval period.

One significant milestone is its use in the context of the Anglo-Norman nobility, where individuals bearing the name were often linked to the regions of Brittany and its historical ties to England. The name appears in various records from the 12th century onward, indicating its adoption among the English gentry.

Additionally, the name has been borne by several saints and religious figures, contributing to its enduring presence in Christian contexts. Culturally, Brett has been associated with notions of bravery and strength, likely stemming from its connections to the Celtic heritage of the Bretons.

The name's resonance can also be seen in literature and art, where characters named Brett often embody qualities of resilience and loyalty. A diminutive form, "Brettie," has occasionally been used, although it is less common.

Overall, the name Brett carries a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting its roots in the Celtic and Norman traditions.

Famous people named Brett

Brett Kavanaugh is a lawyer and jurist best known for serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and for his previous role as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Brett Ratner is a film director and producer best known for directing Rush Hour, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Hercules.

Brett Eldredge is a country music singer and songwriter best known for his hits such as.

Fictional characters named Brett

Brett is a fictional character from the film The Last House on the Left. He is a member of a group of criminals who terrorize a family in their home.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Brett was first seen in the United States in 1926.

Brett has ranked as high as #130 nationally, which occurred in 1986, and has been most popular in California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

In the past 5 years the name Brett has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Brett (2024)

State Births Share
TX 16
12%
CA 15
11%
NC 14
10%
FL 11
8%
MO 11
8%
NY 11
8%
PA 10
7%
OH 9
7%
GA 8
6%
IL 8
6%
TN 6
4%
WI 5
4%
AL 5
4%
OK 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19265
19295
19325
19345
19355
19375
19388
193910
194015
194118
194225
194325
194418
194526
194648
194794
1948140
1949139
1950215
1951223
1952251
1953265
1954430
1955464
1956393
1957653
19582,135
19592,226
19602,320
19612,067
19622,495
19632,609
19642,551
19652,343
19662,575
19672,790
19682,900
19693,184
19703,370
19713,359
19723,503
19733,031
19742,677
19752,779
19762,417
19772,488
19782,305
19792,997
19803,128
19813,775
19824,026
19833,975
19844,098
19854,328
19864,731
19874,429
19884,375
19894,428
19904,393
19914,152
19923,823
19933,545
19943,435
19953,567
19963,577
19973,268
19982,886
19992,773
20002,383
20011,964
20021,868
20031,614
20041,565
20051,389
20061,082
2007958
20081,070
2009766
2010729
2011510
2012427
2013360
2014386
2015324
2016333
2017315
2018288
2019275
2020241
2021201
2022216
2023187
2024205