Bret – Name Meaning
The name Bret is of French origin and is derived from the Old Breton word “breton”, which means “from Brittany”. It is a masculine given name that has been popular in France since the Middle Ages. The name Bret is also used as a surname in some parts of Europe.
History and Origin
The name Bret originated in Brittany, an area located in the northwest of France. It was first used as a given name by the Celts who lived in this region during the Middle Ages. The name was later adopted by other cultures, including the Normans and English. In England, it became popular during the reign of King Henry VIII (1491-1547).
The name Bret is also found in Scotland, where it was introduced by Norman settlers during the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word “bret”, which means “from Brittany”.
Popularity
Bret is not a particularly common name in modern times. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, it ranked at number 8,945 for boys born in 2019. However, it has seen a slight increase in popularity over recent years.
Famous People Named Bret
There are several famous people who have been given the name Bret:
- Bret Harte, American author and poet best known for his stories about life in California during the Gold Rush era.
- Bret Michaels, lead singer of the rock band Poison.
- Bret Saberhagen, former Major League Baseball pitcher who won two Cy Young Awards.
Variations of the Name
Variations of the name Bret include Brett, Breton, Briton, Britton and Brytton.