Q&A · 2:18:18-2:18:54

Why Brittany's name points back to Britain

A brief place-name explanation links Brittany to settlers from Devon and Cornwall.

Question

Why does Brittany share its name with Britain?

Short answer

The connection is settlement from Britain, particularly Devon and Cornwall, reflected in the name Little Britain.

Notes

Brittany's association with Britain comes from settlement across the Channel. Devon and Cornwall are identified as the places from which settlers came. The name Little Britain connects Brittany to that movement of people, although the migration chronology is left unspecified.