Surname Breith - Meaning and Origin
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Breith: What does the surname Breith mean?
The last name Breith is of Germanic origin, originating from the Old High Germanic words “breit” or “breith” which mean “broad” or “wide”. The name Breith was likely originally attributed to a person who was broad in terms of size, stature, or build- but it could also have referred to someone who owned or controlled a wide area of land.
The surname Breith is fairly common in Germany, where it is also spelled Breit, Brayth, or Braun. It is also found in some parts of Sweden and the Czech Republic. In the United States, the name is more uncommon and is largely found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
Variations of the last name Breith include Breithaupt, Breithaufen, Breitholz, and Breither. Many people bearing this name have made significant contributions to the culture and history of their respective countries, including authors, filmmakers, politicians, and scientists.
The Breith name is thought to represent a broadness of heart, creativity, and determination. It is a strong and proud surname associated with a rich history.
Order DNA origin analysisBreith: Where does the name Breith come from?
Today, the surname Breith is most commonly found in countries and regions of German and Jewish ancestry. In Germany, Breith is one of the earliest surnames on record, with records dating back to the 14th century. Breith is also a common Jewish surname, with many early occurrences in which the mother of the family was a Breith.
Breith is also incredibly common in Poland today, likely due to German-Jewish immigration to the region. Most people with the surname Breith in Poland are descendants of families who left Germany in search of religious freedom.
In the United States, Breith is an uncommon name. Very few people carry it in modern times, and anyone who does is likely a descendant of an immigrant from Europe. Currently, the highest concentration of Breith families in the United States is in Florida, with several in New York and Texas.
Finally, Breith is also relatively common in Sweden and Israel today, where it is often a shortened version of the name Berith. Many of the people with this surname have ancestors who were originally from Germany or Poland, and arrived in these areas in the mid-1900s.
Knowing where to look can help anyone looking for family members with the Breith name. It is also helpful for understanding the history of the name and any particular cultural or religious ties present.
Variations of the surname Breith
The surname Breith is an occupational surname, derived from a German word meaning “mason” or “stonemason”. It is found in several European countries, but the primary regions it is most associated with are in Germany and England.
Variants of this surname include Breithaupt, Breithoff, Breithauer, Breithaar, Breithammer, Breitheiser, and Breithelm. Spellings seen in contemporary records for this surname include Braythe, Breithei, Breithy, and Bretty.
Surnames with the same origin as Breith in Germany include Broth, Breech, Brieth, Bruther, Buck, and Brethauer. In England, variants and surnames of the same origin as Breith include Bryth, Brythe, Bride, Bright, and Blissett.
Variants and surnames of the same origin for the surname Breith span a wide geographical area, and can function as a clue for tracing family ties across different countries and cultures. With a bit of research, it is possible to uncover a great deal of historical information about relatives that you may not have known otherwise.
Famous people with the name Breith
- Robert Breith: Canadian Retired National Hockey League player
- Robert Breyth: Austrian composer
- Paul Breith: Australian–born British jazz cornetist and bandleader
- Tim Breith: American actor and stuntman
- Dave Breith: American novel author
- Shane Breith: Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender
- Robert Breith III: American Film-maker and director
- Ian Breith: Australian footballer
- Barry Breith: American boxing promoter
- Evan Breith: American businessman and entrepreneur