Brett is a name of English origin that has been popular for generations. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Bret," which means "from Brittany." Brittany is a region in northwestern France where there was a significant influence of Norse culture during the Viking Age.
The name Brett is thought to have originally been used as a nickname or byname, given to someone who had visited or was from Brittany. It has also been suggested that it could have been used as an occupational name for a Breton weaver, as "breton" was also used in Middle English to refer to a breed of sheep.
The use of the name Brett can be traced back to at least the 13th century in England. In the Paston Letters, a collection of letters written by the Paston family between 1422 and 1489, there is reference to a man named Brett who was employed as a groom.
Throughout history, the name Brett has been used for both boys and girls. However, it has become more commonly associated with males in recent years. Today, Brett is still a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, unique name for their child. It has a modern sound while also having a rich historical background.
The name Brett has seen a significant evolution in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early to mid-20th century, it was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births each year from 1926 to 1939. However, beginning in 1940, there was a notable increase in its usage, with 15 births that year.
This upward trend continued through the 1950s and 1960s, with the number of annual Brett births reaching over 2000 in 1958. The name's popularity peaked in the late 1970s to early 1980s, with a total of 4731 births recorded in 1986.
However, since its peak, the usage of Brett has steadily declined. From the mid-1990s onwards, there were fewer than 5000 annual births each year, and this number continued to decrease into the 21st century. In recent years, it has remained relatively stable, with around 200-300 births per year.
Despite its decline in popularity as a given name, Brett still holds historical significance due to its widespread usage during a significant period. It continues to be a relevant name choice today, albeit at a lower rate than previously seen.