Briton
/ˈbrɪtən/noun
A native or inhabitant of Britain, especially an ancient Celtic inhabitant of Britain.
Did you know?Classical authors described Britons as using blue body pigment, which helped inspire the proposed meaning “the tattooed” or “painted ones,” though the word’s original Celtic sense remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
1st Century BCE
Greek
Βρεττανοί (Brettanoi)
“A Greek name for the peoples of Britain, recorded in geographic and historical writing.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Britanni
“The Roman name for the inhabitants of Britain.”
1st–4th Century CE
Latin
Britannus / Britannia
“Britannus meant a Briton; Britannia referred to Britain, the Roman province and island.”
Old English period
Old English
Bryttas
“Britons, especially the Celtic inhabitants of Britain, contrasted with the English.”
14th Century
Middle English
Briton
“A person native to Britain; adopted through Anglo-French and Latin traditions.”
Modern English
English
Briton
“A native or inhabitant of Britain, often used in historical or formal contexts.”