Summary

The surname Bright is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'beorht,' which means 'bright' or 'shining.' It is believed to have been used as a descriptive name for someone with a cheerful or radiant personality. The name may also have been given to someone who lived near a bright or clear stream. Over the years, the surname Bright has had various spellings and variations, such as Bricht, Bryt, and Breet. It has a rich history and can be found in records dating back to medieval times.
There are
33281
Brights in the USA
Bright is the
1050th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Bright

JohnBright

John Bright was a British Radical and Liberal politician and orator, known for his eloquent speeches advocating free trade and parliamentary reform.

SusieBright

Susie Bright is an American feminist, author, and sex-positive activist, known for her work in the field of sexual politics and her contributions to the erotic fiction genre.

TimothyBright

Timothy Bright was an English physician and linguist, known for his work on Old English and for developing a phonetic alphabet for English.

EdwardBright

Edward Bright was an English surgeon and anatomist, known for his contributions to medical science and his work on the human circulatory system.

JohnGardner

John Gardner Wilkinson was an English Egyptologist and traveler, known for his extensive studies of ancient Egyptian civilization and his documentation of archaeological sites.

JerryBrightman

Jerry Brightman is an American politician and attorney, who served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives and later as a judge.

FlorenceBright

Florence Bright was an Australian suffragette and women's rights activist, known for her advocacy for women's suffrage and her work on gender equality.

WilliamHenry

William Henry Bright was an American linguist and Bible translator, known for his contributions to the study of Native American languages and his work on translating the Bible into indigenous languages.

ElizabethBright

Elizabeth Bright is a British author of contemporary romance novels, known for her heartwarming love stories and relatable characters.

RichardBright

Richard Bright was an English physician and pathologist, known for his pioneering work on kidney diseases and for his discoveries related to Bright's Disease.

Bright Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Bright' is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word 'bryȝt' meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' It may have originally been used as a nickname for someone with a bright or shining personality.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Bright' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. It is also present in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Bright' include 'Brightman' and 'Bryte.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Bright' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history, particularly during periods of colonization and industrialization.