Surname Breerton - Meaning and Origin
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Breerton: What does the surname Breerton mean?
The surname Breerton is of English origin. The name is derived from a place name, believed to have been located near modern-day Brentwood, Essex. Breerton is believed to be a contraction of the name Brentwood-Town, as the Place-names element 'Brett' (Brennt) is a common element found in place names of the Midlands and East Anglia regions of England.
The prefix element ‘Brett’ or ‘Brennt’ is thought to have derived from the Old English word ‘burn’ which was used to explain a stream. The place name is likely to have been derived from the two separate streams reference in the Domesday Book as ‘Branza’ and ‘Tone’, which on maps of the time was recorded in the same area as the place name ‘Brettentune’.
Today the surname Breerton is most commonly found in Northern and Eastern parts of England, such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the Midlands and East Anglia regions, with London and other locations being notably rare. It likely would have been introduced to further areas of Britain through population migration from the 19th century onwards.
The meaning of the name Breerton, derived from a place name, may have been interpreted to mean one who hails from a town of streams, and is likely to have been given as a family name to descendants of people who have ties to the area.
Order DNA origin analysisBreerton: Where does the name Breerton come from?
The last name Breerton is of French origin and is most commonly found in France today. The Breerton name can be found in a number of places around the world, although its density is much higher in Europe than anywhere else. In the United States, Breerons are most commonly found in California, Florida, Nevada and Michigan. Canadian provinces with the highest concentrations of Breerons include Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
In France, the name 'Breton' is associated with the region of Brittany where the name originates. The Breerton family has roots in Brittany and counts amongst its members a number of Breton nobility. Hundreds of present-day families can trace their ancestry back to prominent figures of the past.
In the United Kingdom, Breertons commonly live in Surrey, Hampshire and Cornwall. Relatives have spread far and wide across England, Scotland and Wales, and some can even be found in Ireland.
Australia and New Zealand are also home to a number of Breertons and their descendants, having migrated there after the Second World War. Breertons are also found in countries such as South Africa, India and the Philippines.
No matter where they live, the descendants of the Breerton family are a proud, diverse group and a testament to the power of kinship.
Variations of the surname Breerton
The surname Breerton is of Anglo-Saxon origin and dates back to medieval England. Variants of the surname Breerton include Brarton, Breeton, Bretton, Breeten, Breton, Bretun, Brewton, Bryton, Brenneton, Bryanton, Brenton, Britten, Breting and Breighton.
The most prominent variant, Brarton, is derived from the Old English elements 'brer' meaning 'briar', and 'tun' meaning 'settlement or farm'. The surname was likely given to someone living in or near a farm or settlement surrounded by briars.
The variant Bretton is derived from the Old English word "breote" meaning "broad". People with this name may have lived near a wide, open area, such as a field or a watershed.
The variant Breeten is derived from the Old English 'reotian', which means 'to form roots or to grow'. This may have been given to someone living in a rural area or near a forest where plants usually grew.
The variant Brewton comes from the Old English word 'breaw', which means 'brewer' or 'one who brewed beer'. This variant was probably given to someone who practiced this trade.
The variant Bryton is derived from the Old English word 'brig', which means 'town' or 'hilltop'. People with this surname may have had ancestors who lived on a hilltop or a higher ground.
The variant Breighton is derived from the Old English word 'breoht' meaning 'bright'. In the Middle Ages, this surname was probably given to someone whose appearance was particularly good looking.
Finally, the surname Brenton derives from the Anglo-Saxon word 'branta' meaning 'flaming sword'. This surname may have been given to an ancestor who was a brave warrior and rode into battle with a flaming sword.
Famous people with the name Breerton
- Ash Brereton: Olympian, silver medalist in 2016 Rio Paralympics, and world record holder.
- David Brereton: professional footballer, who played for a variety of clubs in both England and Scotland.
- Robert Brereton: Professional golfer who won several championships, including a PGA Tour event in 2001.
- John Brereton: American theologian and author, currently at Harvard Divinity School.
- Richard Brereton: English actor, mainly remembered for his roles in the television series'Kipps' and 'The Avengers'.
- Murray Brereton: Former Australian rules footballer for the Hawthorn Hawks, where he was a five-time premiership player.
- Matthew Brereton: Musician, songwriter and producer, widely known for his synth-pop, electronic dance music.
- Simon Brereton: British television director, having directed several series for the BBC and ITV.
- Emma Brereton: English actress widely known for her roles in the films 'Billy Elliot' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man'.
- George Brereton: Late American artist, painter and sculptor who exhibited his work nationally and in Europe.