Brett

Brett is a seemingly cool, hip and modern name, first appearing on the American male naming charts relatively recently in 1946. But what’s interesting about this name is its historic significance to those interested in or proud of Celtic heritage (specifically the Brythons as opposed to the Gaelic people). The Gaelic folks are generally found in Ireland, Isle of Man and the highlands of Scotland. The Brythons are from Cornwall, Wales and Brittany. The Gaelic sects far outnumber the Brythons, so it’s even more remarkable that they’ve managed to maintain their Celtic culture, languages and traditions to this day. They have held up their ethnic identity since the Iron Age, despite invasions and/or occupancies by the Romans, the Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons and finally the Normans. Most indigenous British people would just accept new cultures and traditions forced upon them and ultimately assimilate, but the Bretons have persevered and triumphed, refusing to let go of their own common identity. It’s for this reason we find Brett a very interesting and significant choice in a name for those parents who are fans of Celtic history. Brett is a name that has been most popular in the 1970s and 80s; today he is barely used in moderation. It’s a strong one-syllable name – straight forward and confident. It’s like selecting Scott (Scottish), Dane (Danish), Finn (Finnish), Frank (French) or Erin (Irish) as your child’s given name. We just think that’s pretty cool way of demonstrating ethnic pride.