National Brittany Day – September 21, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Brittany Day falls on September 21 to celebrate the previously very popular name, Brittany. The name Brittany was very popular in the 1980s and reached its peak in the 1990s, but has since gone down in popularity in favor of newer and trendier names. This classic is an American staple, especially for popular teen movies. However, it’s originally a French name with a lot of history.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BRITTANY DAY
The name Brittany is a feminine French name. This name comes from a historical peninsula in France. The word Brittany comes from the French, Breton (a Celtic language), and Gallo (one of the regional languages of Brittany) words Bretagne, Breizh, and Bertaèyn. It was derived from the Latin word Britannia meaning “land of the Britons”. Britons are the Celtic people who inhabited Great Britain from the British Iron Age to the Middle Ages.
Brittany has been inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic. Its inhabitants relied on hunting and gathering until they were introduced to agriculture in the 5th century B.C. by migrants. The land was divided and occupied repeatedly by many colonizers during the Middle Ages. Brittany became part of France in 1491 when Louis XI’s son Charles VII married Brittany of Anne. However, they had the same crown but ruled independently until 1547 when they were united under the reign of Henry II. This beautiful land has a rich history and is home to some of the world’s oldest architecture, some of which date back to the 5th century B.C. Its population is roughly around 4.5 million people and its capital is Rennes.
The name was first introduced in the US in 1966. It became very popular from 1989 to 1991, ranking as high as number three on the charts. The name’s popularity began to fizzle out during the 2000s and has now been out of the top 1000 names.
NATIONAL BRITTANY DAY TIMELINE
1998
Music
Britney Spears debuts her first hit ‘Baby One More Time.’
2003
Film
Brittany Murphy stars in the instant classic “Uptown Girls.”
2006
Teen Movies
Brittany Snow stars in the beloved teen rom-com “John Tucker Must Die.”
2009
Television
The fictional but greatly loved Brittany S. Pierce is introduced in “Glee.”
NATIONAL BRITTANY DAY ACTIVITIES
Watch a Brittany
There are so many amazing Brittanys on T.V. Whether real or fictional, you can watch “Clueless” and “Glee,” to Brittany Murphy and Brittany Snow’s many hits.
Appreciate a Brittany
Spend the day showing your appreciation to someone in your life named Brittany. Additionally, you can honor a famous Brittany.
Visit Brittany
If you’re thinking of visiting France, skip Paris and go to Brittany instead. Just looking at the pictures will make you fall in love with this underrated location. It’s the perfect vacation for those who love nature and history.
5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT BRITTANY
Brittany has a unique culture
Since being occupied and welcoming immigrants from all over Europe for centuries, Brittany has a very unique culture — the people speak French and Breton and they view themselves as more Celtic than French.
Brittany has many islands
Brittany contains 800 islands of varying sizes, though many of them remain uninhabited.
There are many historical sites
Brittany has 2,900 monuments that have been around for a very long time — it has some of the most beautiful castles, citadels, chapels, and fortifications in France.
The perfect location for nature lovers
If you’re a lover of nature, long hikes, fishing, sailing, and discovering new historical sites, don’t miss visiting Brittany.
Its cuisine is unmatchable
Brittany has many popular foods and beverages like its fresh seafood, rich cider, and wine.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BRITTANY DAY
You can rebrand it
This once historical French name has a different reputation in the U.S. and it was often given to the pretty popular girls in teen movies. Being out of the spotlight has given the name time to become fresh again.
It’s time for a revival
The name Brittany was the third most popular name in 1989 but has been continually going down the charts. The fact that there are very few young Brittanys out there means this old classic can become unique again.
It has a rich history
Brittany, France is a wonderful and breathtaking place with its ancient history and landmarks. It’s no wonder this name was extremely popular.
