Britton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The name Britton was brought to England in the wave of migration that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Britton family lived in Devon. The name is a reference to the French province of Brettagne or Brittany, from where this family arrived in 1066. 1

Early Origins of the Britton family

The surname Britton was first found in Devon, where they held a family seat from the 11th century. Originating in Brittany, 2 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. Later some of the family were found at Great Witchingham in Norfolk. "The church is a handsome structure, chiefly in the later English style, with a lofty square embattled tower [holds the remains of] John Britton, Bishop of Hereford, who died in 1275." 3

A search through early rolls provided a glimpse of the many spellings in use throughout ancient Briton at the time: Geoffrey le Bretun was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Essex in 1164; Geoffrey le Briton in the Pipe Rolls for Yorkshire in 1164; Louis le Brion in Essex in 1166; Ralph Bretun in Oseney, Oxfordshire in 1166; William le Bruton in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1248; and John le Bruton in the Assize Rolls for Somerset in 1279. 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: John de Brytaygn, Cambridgeshire; Giffard le Bretun, Buckinghamshire; Hugo le Bretun, Cambridgeshire; and Roger le Bretun, Suffolk. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed; Alicia de Britten; Elias de Britton; and Ricardus Britton as all holding lands there at that time. 4

Early History of the Britton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Britton research. Another 213 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1164, 1166, 1248, 1279, 1294, 1297, 1379, 1599, 1644, 1651, 1654, 1678, 1714, 1771, 1806 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Britton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Britton Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Britton have been found, including Brittoner, Brettoner, Brittany, Briton, Breton, Bretun, Bruton, Bretener, Bretoner, Brettner, Brittain and many more.

Early Notables of the Britton family

More information is included under the topic Early Britton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Britton Ranking

In the United States, the name Britton is the 1,183rd most popular surname with an estimated 24,870 people with that name. 5 However, in the United Kingdom, the name Britton is ranked the 704th most popular surname with an estimated 9,515 people with that name. 6

Migration of the Britton family to Ireland

Some of the Britton family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Britton migration to the United States +

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Britton were among those contributors:

Britton Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Britton Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Britton Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Britton migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Britton Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Britton Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Britton migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Britton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Britton migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Britton Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Britton (post 1700) +


Suggested Readings for the name Britton +
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