Bret

Bret is a masculine given name of Breton origin, derived from the Old French term Bret, meaning a Breton or a person from Brittany in northwestern France. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century and remains in occasional use today. It is closely related to the given name Brett, and both forms originate from an ethnonym for Breton people. In some cases, Bret also appears as a surname, typically derived from a forebear’s given name or a regional designation.

In modern usage, Bret is recognized as a distinct spelling and is often chosen for its concise sound. Variants and related forms include Brett, Brit, and other regional spellings; the more common contemporary form in many English-speaking countries is Brett. The name does not imply a specific occupation or trait, but reflects cultural and regional associations tied to Brittany.

Notable people named Bret include the author Bret Easton Ellis; the writer Bret Harte; the musician Bret Michaels; the professional wrestler Bret Hart; the journalist Bret Baier; the comedian-musician Bret McKenzie; and the former MLB player Bret Boone. These individuals illustrate the name’s use across arts, sport, and media.

See also: Brett, a more common variant spelling. The name Bret remains part of the broader family of names derived from ethnonyms and regional identifiers, continuing to appear in various cultures that have historical connections to Brittany.