Surname Bratton - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Roots of The Bratton Surname: An iGENEA DNA Test’s Journey Through Ancestral Heritage and Migration Patterns

Recent iGENEA DNA test findings offer intriguing insights into the Bratton surname, unraveling its deep-rooted Celtic origin, minor Viking influence, and a fascinating history of migration towards Central Europe. The discovery of distant genetic cousins showcases the far-reaching impacts of the Bratton lineage. It's an eye-opening fusion of scientific data and historical narratives, illuminating the past with precision and depth.

V. Bratton

Bratton: What does the surname Bratton mean?

The last name Bratton is of English origin and has a few different possible meanings. It may have come from an old French term meaning "brushwood", or a place-name taken from a French word ‘breton’ meaning ‘Briton’. This may have been the origin of the surname for those who descended from Normans who settled in Britain after 1066. Another possibility is that it is derived from various Old English places named Breotun, meaning "settlement of Britons" or "farm near a spring".

Another possible origin of the name is as a topographic name for someone who lived near a patch of brushwood or a steep slope. This refers to the Old French ‘bratton’, which was derived from ‘bra’ meaning ‘brushwood’.

The surname was also used as a nickname for those whose clothing or physical features resembled that of a Brittany, a region in Northern France, or a Briton originating from England.

Bratton can also be a variant spelling of Briton, which originally derived from the Old English word ‘bryten’, meaning from Britain. It was often used to describe someone who was of British origin.

Overall, the last name Bratton has multiple possible origins, meaning brushwood, place of Britons, or British origin, making it the perfect last name for a person whose ancestors may have had multiple backgrounds.

Bratton: Where does the name Bratton come from?

The last name Bratton is common in the United States and in some countries in Europe. In the United States, it can be found most frequently in the South, particularly in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It can also be found in other states, including Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. The state of Georgia is the most populous state with the surname Bratton.

In Europe, the surname Bratton is most prominent in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is especially common in England, Scotland, and Wales. There is also a small population of people with the last name Bratton in France, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

The surname Bratton originates from the Old English name Bratta or Bracta, which were given to someone from Brittany, a region in the northwest part of France. The surname was most likely brought to the United States during the Great Migration of English settlers in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Overall, the last name Bratton is a relatively common surname in the United States and Europe. While its prevalence varies from one region to another, it can generally be found throughout both continents.

Variations of the surname Bratton

The surname Bratton has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some common spellings include Bretton, Britton, Brittin, Brettin, Breton, Brittán, Britten, and Britton.

The origin of this surname can be traced back to the town of Bratton in Wiltshire, England. This was a small settlement near the market town of Westbury during the Middle Ages. The surname is derived from the Old English words “breodu” (beside) and “tun” (farm or settlement). Thus, the original meaning of the surname Bratton would have been “the farm or settlement beside the brook".

Additionally, the surname could also be derived from the French word “bretaigna”, which means “Britain”. This was often used to describe the people of Britain and could have been adopted as a surname by those living in Britain or working in Britain-related trades.

The surname has also been linked to the Germanic surname Brecht. This referred to a dark or dusky complexion and was once a popular given name in Germany and the Low Countries during the Middle Ages.

Bratton can also be spelled Bretson, Bretzson and Bretsen. Furthermore, the surname Bretton is a variant spelling found in both Britain and the United States, as is the surname Briton.

In summary, the surname Bratton has many variants and spellings, all of which can be traced back to either a small settlement in England, Britain-related trades or a Germanic given name.

Famous people with the name Bratton

• William Bratton: Former commissioner of the Los Angeles Police Department
• Ray Bratton, Sr.: Jazz trumpeter
• Simon Bratton: British comedian and presenter
• T.D. Jakes: Minister, entrepreneur, and author
• Bill Bratton: Former chief of police for New York City
• Lauren Bratton: Director of research & evaluation for the Indianapolis Public Schools
• Simon Bratton: English musician and songwriter
• James Bratton: English musician and composer
• John Bratton: American musician and songwriter
• Karen Bratton: American artist
• Greg Bratton: American college football coach
• Sarah Bratton: American model
• Richard Bratton: Former chairman and CEO of Deloitte
• Robert Bratton: Former head of the United States Coast Guard
• Thomas Bratton: Former mayor of Philadelphia

Other surnames

Bratt