Britan is a name of Welsh origin and means "from Britain" or "short for British". It is derived from the Old English word "Bryten" which was used to refer to Great Britain. The name has been historically associated with Wales, where it has been used as both a given name and a surname.
The earliest known use of the name Britan was in the 13th century, when it appeared as a surname in documents from Wales. Over time, the name became more common as a given name for boys in Wales and England. Today, Britan is still primarily associated with Wales but can be found throughout the English-speaking world.
One notable figure with the name Britan was Sir Thomas Brittan (1520-1597), an English explorer who sailed around the world with Sir Francis Drake on his voyage of 1577-1580. This association with exploration and adventure may have helped to popularize the name further in England.
Overall, while not one of the most commonly used names today, Britan has a rich history and interesting origins that make it a unique choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
Between 1989 and 2011, there were a total of 11 babies named Britney born annually in the U.S., with slightly more born in 1989 (6) than in 2011 (5).