Surname Briant - Meaning and Origin

Briant: What does the surname Briant mean?

The surname Briant is of Old Celtic and Old Breton origin, primarily found in the regions of Brittany (France), Wales and Ireland. It is derived from the personal name "Brian", which is believed to mean "high" or "noble". This name was popular among Celtic and Breton people, and was later brought to England and Ireland by Norsemen where it became widespread. The spelling variation as "Briant" instead of "Bryant" or "Bryan" is more commonly found in France and other parts of Europe. The name was further popularized due to its association with Brian Boru, a famous High King of Ireland in the 11th century. However, each family would have incorporated the name for their own reasons, so the exact significance may vary for each lineage. As a surname, it represents an ancestral connection to someone who was initially known by the personal name Brian or Briant.

Briant: Where does the name Briant come from?

The last name Briant is relatively uncommon today, however it can be found across many countries. In France, Briant is the 1,696th most popular last name. This surname has roots in the French language and could be derived from the Old French phrase "briant", which translates to “lively”.

In England, Briant is the 17,220th most popular surname. Again, the roots of the surname could also be derived from Old French. It may also come from a personal name, such as Brian, which means “strength” or “force”.

In Canada, Briant is the 11,389th most popular last name. This may stem from the French settlers that began to populate the Canadian provinces in the 1600s.

In the United States of America, Briant is the 11,539th most common last name. Many immigrants may have brought the surname with them as they came to America from France, England, and Canada.

Overall, the last name Briant is rarely found today, with its roots stemming from Old French, personal names, French settlers, and immigrants. Despite its rarity, the last name can still be found in many countries, such as France, England, Canada, and the United States.

Variations of the surname Briant

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Briant includes Bryan, Brian, Bryant, Brien, Briand, Briens, Brient, Briens, Briens, Briene, Bryon, Brion, Brient, Brienne, and Brionne.

Briant is a surname of French origin, most likely derived from the personal name of Brian, derived from the Celtic name Briant, meaning “high hill.” It is believed that the surname was first found in Normandy and then spread to England with the Norman Invasion.

Variant spellings of Briant include Bryan, Brian, and Bryant, all derived from the medieval French pronunciation of the surname. Brien is an Anglo-Norman variant of Briant, derived from the Gaelic O’Brien, meaning “descendant of Brian.” Briand and Briens are French variants, as well as Brient.

Brienne is an alternate spelling of Briant, while Brion and Brionne are also derivatives of the surname. Bryon is an alternate spelling of Brian, as well, and was also popularized by the American poet of the same name.

Famous people with the name Briant

• Erik Briont: a former Belgian national soccer team player, he is known for having played for the Anderlecht, Standard Liège, and Sporting Charleroi clubs.
• Peter Briont: an English composer and conductor who served as the Director of Music at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council in England.
• Pauline Briont: a French sprinter who won a gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics.
• Scott Briont: a Brazilian professional basketball player who has played for numerous teams in Brazil’s premier basketball league.
• Pierre Briont: a French filmmaker and fashion photographer who was part of the French New Wave.
• Danny Briont: a retired American professional soccer player who played for the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.
• Seán Briont: an Irish tenor, who enjoyed considerable success in the United States as an opera singer.
• Isabelle Briont: a French stage and film actress who is best known for her role in the film Les 400 Coups (The 400 Blows).
• Kelly Briont:an American YouTube beauty and lifestyle vlogger who has amassed more than 130,000 subscribers on her channel.
• Derek Briont: a British former professional boxer who held the British Heavyweight Championship title from 1985 to 1987.

Other surnames

BrianBriane