Brittain Name Meaning and History
|
English: Ethnic name for a Celtic-speaking Briton or Breton (see Brett).
In more recent times, this surname was adopted by immigrants to Britain as a token of their
new patriotism.
|
|
Dictionary of American Family Names, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-508137-4
|
Brittain is a name of ancient Norman origin. It arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Brittain family lived in Devon. The name is a reference to the French province of Brettagne or Brittany, from where this family arrived in 1066.
The name was spelled Brittoner, Brettoner, Brittany, Briton, Breton, Bretun, Bruton, Bretener, Bretoner, Brettner, Brittain and many more.
First found in Devon, where they were seated from the 11th century. Originating in Brittany, the name was introduced to England in 1066 with Auvrai le Breton being present at the Norman Conquest in 1066 under the banner of Alain le Roux. William the Conqueror rewarded Auvrai for his service with lordships in Devon.
As shown in the Britain pedigree chart (link below) our family line descends from John and Mary Brittain. According to public records, they were married in Spencer, Indiana and farmed most of lives in the Buchanan County area of Missourri. They had seven sons: William, James, Joseph, Wilson, George, John and Elam.
View the Brittain charts
here (Opens a new window).
Requires Adobe Reader - Also available on the Resources page.
See the
Resources page for links to research notes and documents.
