Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Britain

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      From Great Britain

      Variations

      Britany, Britannia, Brittainy
      The name Britain originates from the English language and its meaning is derived from the phrase From Great Britain. The term Britain has a long and storied history in both ancient and modern times. In ancient history, the name Britain was first used by the Romans to refer to the island of Great Britain, which they conquered and controlled from the 1st century AD until the decline of the Roman Empire. The name Britain became synonymous with the island and its native inhabitants, the Britons.

      Throughout history, the name Britain has remained closely associated with the island of Great Britain. In modern times, it is used to refer to the United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Moreover, Britain is often used as a shorthand term to describe various aspects of British culture and identity. It symbolizes the rich heritage, diverse traditions, and historical significance of the British people.

      Today, the name Britain continues to be used widely in both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently employed in political discussions, international relations, and cultural references. The name Britain evokes a sense of pride and patriotism among its citizens, who identify themselves as British. Furthermore, it serves as a recognizable label for the unique characteristics and contributions of the people and nation of Great Britain.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Britain.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Britain.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Britain.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1755 is when there were the most people born with the first name Britain.

      Explore the origins of another name.